Driver Admits Killing Mother and Dogs in London Hit-and-Run

A driver has admitted killing a mother and her two dogs in a hit-and-run crash while traveling at twice the speed limit in London. Dantay Roche, 24, was driving his white Seat Leon at 61 mph in a 30 mph zone when he struck Marie Theobald, 48, as she was crossing the road with her Maltese dogs, Riley and Honey, in December 2023.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but Theobald and the dogs were pronounced dead. Roche's car was found nearby shortly after the collision. CCTV footage showed him exiting the vehicle to inspect damage before fleeing the scene.

Appearing at the Old Bailey, Roche pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, criminal damage, and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2027.

In a statement released after her death, Theobald's family described her as a "loving mother, daughter, sister, niece and friend." They added, "Marie was an honest, hardworking, selfless woman who would do anything for anyone. Marie always put others first." The family also noted, "The dogs Riley and Honey were much loved members of the family. They adored Marie as she adored them. May they all rest in perfect peace together."

Detective Inspector Mark Braithwaite, who led the investigation, commented on the incident, stating, "This was an awful incident that resulted in Marie's death in the most tragic circumstances just days before Christmas. My thoughts remain with her family and loved ones."

Braithwaite added, "We do not know why Roche was driving like he was that night, as he has never provided an explanation either to the police or the courts. But he drove dangerously fast at twice the speed limit on a busy road in a residential area, then took the cowardly decision to leave the scene after striking Marie and her two dogs. We built a strong case against him, with evidence from our forensic collision investigator showing how he was driving at 61mph in a 30 zone, with digital enquiries placing him in the area at the time of the collision."