Christian Maria Waters, of Gary, has been charged after police allege she fatally struck her 7-year-old granddaughter with an SUV on Jan. 21 in the 5900 block of Wallace Road in Hammond.

According to court documents, officers responded around 6:35 p.m. to a reported hit-and-run involving a child. When officers arrived, they found the child underneath a maroon Ford Expedition driven by Waters.

Court records allege Waters attempted to leave the scene, telling officers she needed to pick up her husband from work. Police allege family members initially reported the child had been struck by a black pickup truck that fled the area.

According to the affidavit, surveillance video showed the child retrieve a tablet from the SUV before running in front of the vehicle, where she was struck as the Expedition moved forward. Police allege evidence at the scene did not support the reported hit-and-run and instead indicated the child had been run over by the Expedition.

Court documents allege Waters later admitted she was the person who said a black truck was responsible, leading family members to initially report the crash as a hit-and-run. Police also allege Waters called the child’s mother from the hospital and told her, “not tell the police.” According to the affidavit, Waters later asked what she should tell police and was told to tell the truth because she was worried she would be arrested and go to jail.

According to the autopsy, the child died from a massive cerebral injury caused by a motor vehicle accident, and tire track marks were documented on her right leg. Police also determined Waters did not possess a valid driver’s license and had a prior conviction for operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.

Charge filed June 30, 2026:

Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License Resulting in Death or Catastrophic Injury — Level 5 Felony