Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced that Saleem Wright, 25, of Irvington was sentenced today to six years in state prison by the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C., for the fatal hit and run of 5-year-old Julianne Vega.

On July 22, 2010 the little girl was struck and killed by Wright, who was driving a 2005 blue Mercedes Benz CLK convertible, in the vicinity of 30 Columbia Avenue in Newark. The little girl was transported to University Hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Wright left the scene of the fatal collision and did not render aid to the victim. Several days later Wright surrendered to Rev. Ron Christian at Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington. Defense lawyer Gerald Saluti coordinated the surrender with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

On June 21, 2011, Wright pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular homicide.

The defense asked for a five-year sentence. Assistant Prosecutor Shelton L. McCall asked the judge to impose a six-year sentence, noting that Wright was speeding on a residential street when he struck the little girl. He also noted Wright had an extensive history of motor vehicle violations prior to the fatal incident. Wright has six prior orders of suspension and a number of violations, including speeding and driving recklessly. However, none of the orders of suspensions were directly a result of his driving but for not paying tickets.

Wright, who had been free on bail, was immediately taken into custody after Judge Vazquez imposed sentence.

Saleem Wright, 24, of Irvington who was charged with death by auto in the case of the 5-year-old Julianne Vega, is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow – Wednesday, July 28, 2010 at 9 a.m. – before the Honorable Peter Vazquez. His courtroom is located at the Essex County Veterans Courthouse, Room 604, 50 West Market Street, Newark, NJ.

Members of the press wishing to bring cameras into the court room must contact the trial court administrator’s office at 973-693-5701.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino today announced the arrest of Saleem Wright, 24, of Irvington. Wright has been charged with death by auto, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and endangering an injured victim in connection with the death of 5-year-old Julianne Vega.

Wright surrendered at approximately 2:30 p.m. to Rev. Ron Christian at Christian Love Baptist Church in Irvington. The surrender was coordinated by the suspect’s attorney, Gerald Saluti, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Homicide Squad placed the suspect in custody at the church and transported him to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, where he was booked.

The investigation is being conducted by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office in conjunction with the Newark Police Department Homicide Squad.

The child was allegedly struck and killed by Wright while crossing the street at approximately 8:38 p.m. yesterday at 30 Columbia Avenue. The little girl was transported to University Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 9:04 p.m.

A 2005 blue Mercedes Benz CLK convertible, fitting the description of the one that struck the child and registered to Wright, with visible front end damage, was recovered at approximately 2:54 a.m. today at 7th Avenue and North 11th Street in the City of Newark.

Bail was set at $150,000 by the Honorable Michael Petrolle. Wright has been transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility.

The investigation is continuing. We ask any witnesses to contact the Newark Police Homicide Squad or the Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad at 1-877-847-7432.

The charges are mere accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.