Lawrence community holds vigil for 11-year-old girl killed in crash

LAWRENCE, Mass. — Authorities have released the name of the young girl who died in a two-car crash in Lawrence over the weekend.

The Essex District Attorney's office said Monday that the victim of the Saturday night crash in Lawrence was identified by family members as 11-year-old Taysha Rohena Silva, of Peabody. Authorities had originally said she was 8 years old.

Her 8-year-old sister, 15-year-old cousin, mother, and her mother's boyfriend all remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

Selvin Manuel Lima was pulled over for a lane violation but took off at a high rate of speed. Officers did not follow him. Officials say the "catastrophic" crash happened a few blocks away.

Lima is being charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide, marked lanes violations, operating a motor vehicle in a reckless fashion, failing to stop for the police, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, exceeding the speed limit, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Lima was arraigned from his hospital room Monday and is being held pending a dangerousness hearing.

Roberto Silva, Taysha's father, says his life is now turned upside down.

"I'm showing no weakness because that's what she wanted me to do, but I'm hurt," he said. "It's killing me inside. I cried for these last two days, no more tears coming out.

"When I first saw the accident, I saw it on live video. I wrote, my condolences goes out to the girl and her family, not knowing that it's my daughter. I got a call the next day...tell me it's not true."

Roberto told Boston 25 News his message for Lima.

"I'm not mad at him, he's a human being at the end of the day, just like I [am]," he said. "We all make mistakes.

"Here I am with my daughter's death. I'm not going to get that back."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Cox Media Group