Driver Who Killed Two Pedestrians in Kennesaw Sentenced

An Atlanta man who killed two pedestrians with his car while chasing after another driver last May has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide charges and has received a lengthy prison sentence, the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

Tansu Kanlica, 28, a locksmith, responded to a locked car call at the Walmart on Chastain Meadows Parkway on the evening of May 25, 2014. Kanlica got the car unlocked, but the driver refused to pay and sped off. Kanlica gave chase, but lost control of his vehicle and struck three pedestrians walking along Barrett Lakes Boulevard near Shiloh Valley Drive.

Reina As-Salaam, 15, was declared dead at the scene. A second girl, Juliana Ferrell, 16, died at the hospital on May 30. The third victim, Monica Epps, 16, suffered a broken leg as a result of the collision.

On Wednesday morning, Kanlica pleaded guilty to four counts of homicide by vehicle and one count each of serious injury by vehicle and hit and run.

“He struck the victims and left the scene,” ADA Jason Samuels told the court during the plea hearing. “He failed to summon aid, he failed to identify himself. He failed to perform any of the acts required by Georgia law and basic human decency.”

Following Kanlica’s plea, Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben M. Green sentenced him to 30 years, 20 of which will be served in prison. Green also ordered Kanlica to pay nearly $200,000 in restitution to the victims. Kanlica will most likely be deported to his native Turkey once he finishes his sentence, the DA’s Office said.

The second driver involved in the incident, Garrett Kyle Anderson, has been charged with homicide by vehicle and serious injury by vehicle and will stand trial on April 20.