Local

‘When she died, I died': Family seeking justice 1 year after Millvale teen's death

PITTSBURGH — It’s been nearly a year since a Millvale teen was killed in a suspected drunken driving accident, and the girl’s family is still seeking justice.

Rikki Fleming, 18, died last February after a crash on Route 28 near the Highland Park Bridge.

State police said they only recently filed charges of homicide by vehicle and DUI against Jared Schillinger.

Investigators said Schillinger hit Fleming’s car from behind and forced her car to roll over in the northbound lanes of Route 28.

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in honor of Fleming Sunday night. Fleming’s mother spoke of her unimaginable grief since the loss of her child.

“When she died, I died. She was my friend. She would go shopping with me. She would watch movies with me. I don’t have that anymore,” Billie-Jo Fleming said.

Schillinger is awaiting a preliminary hearing.