Upgraded Charges For Bridgeton Woman in Girl’s Death

Police in southern New Jersey have upgraded charges against a woman who was accused of improperly supervising an 8-year-old who ran into a busy intersection and was struck and killed by a vehicle.

Prosecutors in Cumberland County say 32- year-old Stephany James of Bridgeton was arrested Wednesday and charged with aggravated manslaughter and reckless manslaughter.

A message left for her attorney was not immediately returned.

Prosecutors say James was found to have left Aryonna Watson alone May 16 without the benefit of adult supervision when the girl ran into the intersection and was hit.

Watson died three days later.

No charges were filed against the man who hit Watson. He told Police he saw Watson after the vehicle in front of him swerved, but he could not stop in time.

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