Alleged hit and run driver charged with killing elderly woman on Outer Drive

DETROIT (WJBK) - An alleged hit-and-run driver facing a judge charged in the death of an elderly woman planting flowers in Detroit.

Donte Darrell Renfroe was arraigned Thursday via video arraignment. Renfroe, 19, turned himself in, days after the crash.

Police say he was speeding on Outer Drive this past weekend when he hit and killed 83-year-old Charlotte Kish.

Kish's son, Barret:

"She wouldn't even want this person in jail," he said. "She believed that there is always hope for everyone."

Kish was tending to flowers planted in the median on Outer drive when Renfroe allegedly hit a parked pick-up truck that in turn slammed into Kish.  He never stopped, but days later he turned himself in.

Renfroe is charged with second degree murder and manslaughter with a motor vehicle. Bond was denied.

Kish was well known in her community and a member of the activist group the "Raging Grannies."

"Miss Kish was always knocking on doors, she taught us how to get drug houses off our blocks, how to get our water rates reduced, she mentored to all the children, taught them how to plant flowers," said Debra Ramsey, a friend. "She was the block club president for six blocks."

"It's all about love and getting to know your neighbors," Barret said. "Picking up trash, planting flowers and being active politically."