Upper Marlboro Woman Sentenced in Fatal Hit and Run Accident

Christy Littleford, of Upper Marlboro, was sentenced today to four years in prison -- three suspended -- for a hit and run accident in 2010 that killed Natasha Pettigrew, 30, a Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate.

Littleford also was ordered to pay a $1,500 fine, according to Nancy Lineman, a spokesperson for the Prince George’s County state’s attorney. 

Littleford, 43, was facing up to 10 years in prison on several charges, including hit and run causing personal injury. Pettigrew was riding a bicycle along the side of Route 202 when she was struck.

Donnell Turner, deputy state’s attorney for Prince George’s County said in a statement that it is important that drivers pay close attention on the road, and that they remain on the scene in the event that they hit something or someone.

“It is possible that if Ms. Littleford had stayed to care for the victim and called for help, she likely would not have been charged with any criminal offense,” said Turner in the statement.

“As we demonstrated in this case, we will not hesitate to file and pursue criminal charges against people who leave the scene of an accident, particularly one that results in the death of or harm to another person,” stated Turner.

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Littleford claimed she didn’t realize she had hit a person until she arrived home and found a bicycle under her car, according to The Post.

She was taken into custody following the hearing, according to Lineman.

This article has been updated to include comments from the state's attorney's office.