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Police Display Car Involved In Hit-And-Run Death Of Nun As Search For Driver Continues

Publication: The Southampton Press
By Colleen Reynolds   Jul 11, 2012 11:16 AM
Jul 11, 2012 7:12 PM
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A Roman Catholic nun was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Monday night in Water Mill, and police have identified the suspected driver and are actively trying to track him down.

The nun, Sister Jacqueline Walsh, 59, was walking along the side of Rose Hill Road, a short distance from a Sisters of Mercy retreat house, where she had come for a religious retreat, at about 8:30 p.m., when she was struck by a 2009 Volkswagen Touareg, Southampton Town Police said. The driver—police have reportedly identified him but have not released his name—ditched the Volkswagen about a half mile from the accident scene, police said.

As of Wednesday morning, police had yet to make an arrest, but the driver has been identified as a local resident.

“We know who the driver... more

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We have hit a new low here in the Hamptons. Someone must have been late for their reservations at Trata
By C Law (275), Water Mill on Jul 10, 12 6:10 AM
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There is a very special Hell waiting for this person...
By squeaky (236), hampton bays on Jul 10, 12 6:38 AM
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Never in my 30 years of living here have I heard of so many deaths on the roads. Something has to change. People should not be dying on what used to be quiet country roads.
By johnj (149), Westhampton on Jul 10, 12 10:32 AM
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Unfortunately its not much of a surprise. Glance at other drivers faces when you are out and about. At least a 1/3rd are texting or reading emails. Try it next time you are out, it is frightening.
By C Law (275), Water Mill on Jul 10, 12 10:53 AM
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I once passed a driver who had the newspaper unfolded over the steering wheel driving down Sunrise Highway.
By Duckbornandraised (72), Eastport on Jul 10, 12 11:23 AM
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well that's the problem. they aren't quiet country roads anymore.
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 10, 12 11:34 AM
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Having been hit once before by someone reaching for their cell phone, I am constantly checking my rear view mirror especially if that driver is on their cell phone. That way, in case of a sudden stop ahead, I can pull to the side of the car in front of me and avoid being clobbered by the idiot behind me.

One question about the description: A WHITE Hispanic male?
By itsamazing (137), Southampton on Jul 10, 12 12:00 PM
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Leaving the airbase (military checkpoint) in WH, there is a sign that goes something like this:

You are now entering the most dangerous place on earth, a public highway. Please fasten your seatbelt, and drive defensively.
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 10, 12 4:09 PM
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Ummmm, what is a white hispanic? Wow, that's a new one.
By Spikeland67 (20), Sag Harbor on Jul 10, 12 1:14 PM
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Not in the post-Trayvon Martin era.
By Frank Wheeler (1157), Northampton on Jul 10, 12 1:25 PM
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Exactly, "White Hispanic" was a way of rescuing the "evil white guy shoots innocent sweet black child" narrative that the media and liberals had going.

George "zimmerman" turning out to be Hispanic, well after the story went out about a white shooter, through them for a loop, so they decided to coin the phrase "white hispanic" to salvage the hate they wanted to gin up.
By RealityFirst (597), Bridgehampton on Jul 10, 12 8:11 PM
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No, it's not a new one at all; the man has been identified as caucasian - that is his race. He has also been identified as Hispanic - that is his ethnicity. Didn't any of you see the US Census for at least the last thirty years?
By VOS (506), WHB on Jul 10, 12 10:36 PM
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It is media speak. If the indidvidual is the victim they are "hispanic". If they are the perpetrator they are "white hispanic".
By jams (45), hampton bays on Jul 11, 12 4:07 PM
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A "white Hispanic" is a person of Hispanic descent who is racially white. How the hell do the police know that this "white" man has any Hispanic descent? You people are giving whites a bad name. Admit it, the guy probably looked like typical Hispanic. Don't mislead the public. Now go find the piece of garbage.
By Lets go mets (72), Southampton on Jul 10, 12 1:32 PM
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Or maybe "you people" are giving hispanics a bad name. Just some food for thought
By intimatewishes (1), southampton on Jul 12, 12 8:53 AM
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Can we assume that the car was unregistered and uninsured ? Wouldnt the cops run the registration immediately ?
By Bill in Riverhead (190), Riverhead on Jul 10, 12 4:54 PM
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Running the plates means nothing if it was registered with a fake I.D.
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 10, 12 5:09 PM
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2009 car was registered
By EastEnd68 (811), Westhampton on Jul 10, 12 5:05 PM
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not a cheap car run the VIN and plate probably belongs to someone on Rose Hill being used by an employee
By xtiego (244), bridgehampton on Jul 10, 12 6:14 PM
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Yes. Not a Nissan sentra or Honda civic or Toyota corolla. Scumball freaked out, probably quitting his job, not being able to explain to his boss what happened to the car. We'll find him soon. Unfortunately, he'll be sentenced to 3 years, on our dime, assuming, very realistically, that this person was undocumented, drunk, or both.
By Lets go mets (72), Southampton on Jul 10, 12 7:48 PM
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Wow, you folks are one angry, racist bunch. So sad you can't have all the big houses and fancy cars that all the people who (unfortunately) make the Hamptons what they are but... get over yourselves already. "What is a white hispanic?" Get out of your neighborhood once in a while.
A nun is dead and all you can do is focus on race? Why, because your going to go out tonight, help out local law enforcement and canvas the south fork? Please!!
By HarborDad (37), Sag Harbor on Jul 10, 12 8:03 PM
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Spare me your accusations of racism. Who are you to judge?
By RealityFirst (597), Bridgehampton on Jul 10, 12 8:14 PM
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Who makes the Hamptons what it is? Are you trolling with that post? Get off your soapbox.
By dnice (797), Hampton Bays on Jul 11, 12 9:34 PM
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This comment has been removed because it is a duplicate, off-topic or contains inappropriate content.
Jul 11, 12 10:43 PM appended by Mr. Z
This may end up in a red blaze of glory, but check Google. If what I saw is accurate, Water Mill has gone global news. From Ireland, to Brazil; articles are in the press across an ocean. Just thought it was worthy of note...
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 11, 12 10:43 PM
What about the word "ILLEGAL" doesn't everybody get? If he didn't have anything to hide, why did he run? Hit & Run- pretty descriptive phrase to me...

My heart goes out to the nun's family & friends.
By Brdie (9), Riverhead on Jul 14, 12 10:39 PM
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so sad to tell you but...it was the local hampton people that made the hamptons what they are...local artists, writers, business men and women, and the general population of hard working people liveing a simple life without wanting to be "seen" (as in the "hamptons scene") and all the while preserving natural habitats ---not using it for "political" favors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
By UNITED states CITIZEN (200), SOUTHAMPTON on Jul 15, 12 1:29 PM
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This comment has been removed because it is a duplicate, off-topic or contains inappropriate content.
By UNITED states CITIZEN (200), SOUTHAMPTON on Jul 15, 12 1:29 PM
May Sister Jacqueline Walsh and the nuns of her order, the Sisters of Mercy, especially those who were there on retreat with her, be at peace.
My love and prayers to all.
By baywoman (88), southampton on Jul 10, 12 8:15 PM
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Thank you! Was wondering if someone acknowledged this. May Sister Jackie rest in peace.
By hbaysboomer (8), Hampton Bays on Jul 12, 12 8:21 AM
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This comment has been removed because it is a duplicate, off-topic or contains inappropriate content.
By RealityFirst (597), Bridgehampton on Jul 10, 12 8:31 PM
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Fingerprints? Any surveillance footage in the area, not necessarily just the immediate area either? Skin cells or maybe a hair with a follicle in the VW, hopefully it wasn't contaminated prior to inspection qualified forensics expert, but I'm afraid this is just how things are handled on CSI.
By ICE (1151), Southampton on Jul 10, 12 9:03 PM
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This is ridiculous. There are more fatal accidents on the south fork than up island where they have 10 times the population density. Why isn't this being investigated? Every one of us out here is in more danger than people in other areas of Long Island.
By btdt (170), water mill on Jul 10, 12 9:44 PM
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wow. maybe there actually aren't enough cops.
By milkdilk (40), Southampton on Jul 10, 12 10:00 PM
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No, just never one when you need them.
By dnice (797), Hampton Bays on Jul 11, 12 9:35 PM
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According to the Suffolk County DA, the SH town police know the identity of the driver but have not located him yet
By itsamazing (137), Southampton on Jul 10, 12 11:35 PM
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And they're making CR 39 even wider so even more cars can drive even faster and cause more accidents. Stop the madness.
By johnj (149), Westhampton on Jul 11, 12 8:54 AM
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What does road widening and traffic easing have to do with this? Stop the stupidity.
By dnice (797), Hampton Bays on Jul 11, 12 9:37 PM
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I'll try and type slowly so you can understand dnice. Widening the roads and easing traffic facilitates more and more road use which leads to more and more pedestrian and vehicular accidents and deaths. The town should be discouraging this, rather than promoting it and investing their efforts in better public transportation methods. Pretty simple to grasp really, even for you.
By johnj (149), Westhampton on Jul 13, 12 4:37 PM
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Wider roads, less shoulder, closer proximity between active roadway and sidewalk. It is pretty impossible to avoid an accident on North Hwy as it stands now, by pulling to the right, ie the shoulder. There is no shoulder! There is a curb then a sidewalk. Wider still? Ridiculous.
By bb (411), Hampton Bays on Jul 14, 12 3:41 PM
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Jackie was a great friend to my entire extended family. Her youthful energy, sense of humor, and wonderful spirit will be missed. Her familiar greeting of "Hey kiddo!" will never be heard again. Rest in peace Sister Jackie Walsh.
By Petermlynch (1), Southampton on Jul 11, 12 9:47 AM
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First, my condolences on the loss of such a wonderful human being. Commonwealth is a rarely heard word these days. The fifth definition in the World English Dictionary lists an obsolete meaning of the word as: 5. obsolete the general good; public welfare. I don't think this woman saw that particular meaning of the word as "obsolete". If God ever actually said He wanted you to be rich, something tells me she was "wealthy" beyond measure.

This may have been purely an accident, and the ...more
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 11, 12 3:15 PM
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God Bless Sr. Jackie, and all the Sisters of Mercy who give of themselves so fully every day of their lives, to our Catholic Church, and our community. This is a terrible tragedy and loss of a beautiful life. Please use your energies in prayer for the Sisters, for the driver, and for each other. We should all exercise a little mercy...
By Shinnecock Hills family (16), Southampton on Jul 11, 12 8:17 PM
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Mercy is a rather advanced trait of the human condition.

Not every member of the order Sapiens is capable of such action.
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 21, 12 10:33 PM
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If the police know who the driver was why are they not posting his name and picture so people can help locate him.
By EastEnd68 (811), Westhampton on Jul 11, 12 9:14 PM
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I could only imagine that Sister would want us to pray for this person, have compassion, and let justice work. RIP
By just breath (81), yuck on Jul 11, 12 9:54 PM
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"police want public's help" to find person responsible?? how about giving us, the public, a name and picture so we can help!!! ( the person responsible is probably already back in his home country thanks to his employer)
By xtiego (244), bridgehampton on Jul 12, 12 8:16 PM
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Umm...because it's only not racist to do that if the perp is white.or "Cracker American"
By Kaiser Sozay (30), east end on Jul 16, 12 12:37 PM
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This comment has been removed because it is a duplicate, off-topic or contains inappropriate content.
By david h (228), southampton on Jul 13, 12 11:00 AM
The Hispanics best friend mowed over and left to die on the side of the road
Ohh the irony....
By Kaiser Sozay (30), east end on Jul 16, 12 12:38 PM
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If you wanted this commuity's help, you should have had enough faith in it not to presume it would be a group of vifilantes.

Then again, my faith may be unfounded...
Jul 21, 12 10:25 PM appended by Mr. Z
Fingers moved faster than brain, but you should get the point...
By Mr. Z (5176), North Sea on Jul 21, 12 10:25 PM
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Ten months ago Sister Walsh was mowed down and left to die on the side of the road.

Where is the public outrage about this "miscarriage of justice" as the Press said in an editorial late last year?

The public pleaded to help, similar to the recent Boston Marathon attacks, but the Southampton Town PD delayed 11 days to release the suspect's ID and photo.

Did favoritism play a part in this delay?

What is the status of this investigation?

Will we ever ...more
By PBR (3359), Southampton on May 9, 13 3:37 AM
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As we honor our veterans, we also remember Sister Jackie's senseless death FORTY-SIX weeks ago, at the hands of a hit-and-run driver who mowed her down and left her to die on the side of the road.

This "miscarriage of justice," to quote the Press's editorial, remains unsolved.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on May 27, 13 9:22 AM
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Rest in Peace, Sister Walsh.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on May 27, 13 4:17 PM
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Rest in Peace, Sister Walsh, and Senator Lautenberg who died last night.

What "degrees of separation" connect these two people, you might ask?

Today marks the 47th week since Sister Walsh was mowed down. June 9th will mark the 11th month of this "miscarriage of justice" investigation per the Press's editorial.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Jun 3, 13 12:52 PM
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48 weeks and 11 months later . . .

Rest in Peace, Sister Walsh.

No updates from the authorities, and no feedback on possible favoritism shown in waiting 11 days to release the driver's ID and photo.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Jun 10, 13 6:22 PM
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49 weeks and counting.

Rest in Peace.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Jun 17, 13 6:23 PM
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364 days ago, Sister Walsh was mowed down and left to die on the side of the road.

Rest in Peace.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Jul 8, 13 6:27 PM
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It is now officially a year since this "miscarriage of justice" investigation (per Press editorial) has failed to catch the hit-and-run killer, whose ID and photo were withheld for 11 days by the authorities.

Rest in Peace, Sister Walsh.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Jul 9, 13 10:05 PM
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65 weeks since Sister Walsh was mowed down and left to die on the side of the road. Wednesday will mark the FIFTEENTH month.

Perhaps the SHT PD could update us?

Was the Supervisor involved in the decision to wait 11 days to release the alleged driver's ID and photo?

As Mr. Gregor said when he added Sister Walsh's name to Rose Hill Road, there are lots of unanswered questions here IMO.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Oct 7, 13 8:54 AM
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Now officially 15 months.

Rest in Peace, Sister Walsh.
By PBR (3359), Southampton on Oct 9, 13 9:43 PM
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