New details on crash that killed mother in Ahwatukee

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - New details were released Friday in the case of a deadly car crash that took the life of a jogger in Awhatukee.

The victim, 36-year-old Martha Hilts, is a wife and a mother of two. She was running on the sidewalk when a driver, 25-year-old Shannon Scott, allegedly jumped the curb and hit her.

As of Friday, Scott is behind bars, facing one count of alleged manslaughter. According to police officials, Scott had alcohol and possibly marijuana in her system when she hit and killed Hilts.

Meanwhile, Hilts' husband, 12-year-old daughter, and 7-year-old son returned to the scene of her death to pray Friday.

Hilts' father-in-law, Tom, remembered his wife.

"Very beautiful person, never a mean word to say, very dedicated to her children, her husband, and to her work," said Tom.

Hilts' family sounded comfort in the spot where her life ended. They gathered around a makeshift memorial in her honor, hugging friends and neighbors who stopped by throughout the day.

"Well, we cry about it every 30 minutes, and that's about all we can do and pray," said Tom. "We come here to do our prayers."

Hilts' husband, now a single father of two, said she was thrown about 75 feet after the impact. The car was going about 40 mph (about 64.37 kmh).

According to police, Scott's blood alcohol content was .08 at the time of the crash, and officers could smell marijuana in her car. Scott cried during her initial court appearance, as her attorney asked the judge to release Scott from jail on bond.

"She's taking away a very valuable member of our society. A very dedicated mother," said Tom.

If convicted of felony manslaughter, Scott faces up to 10 years in prison. Meanwhile, Hilts' friends have set up a fundraising page to raise money for expenses.

Family of Martha Hilts Expense Fund:
www.youcaring.com/chrisjessicaandanthonyhilts-998863