Hit-and-Run Sees Pregnant Woman Tragically Killed; Driver Charged with Murder
Brooklyn, NY—A devastating hit-and-run incident involving a pregnant woman returning home from a Beyoncé concert has led to the arrest of 28-year-old Chaquasia Pigford, who now faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder.
A Night of Celebration Turns Tragic
Tiffany Cifuni, 32, who was 12 weeks pregnant, was struck on the night of May 24th in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The collision occurred following a minor fender bender between her 2021 Toyota 4Runner and Pigford’s stolen 2016 Chevy Trax. Witness accounts suggest that Cifuni followed Pigford for two blocks after the initial impact, seeking to exchange information.
During her arraignment on Wednesday, Judge Dena E. Douglas ordered Pigford to be held without bail. A somber crowd, including Cifuni’s husband, James, was present in court, where he emotionally labeled Pigford a “coward” and a “monster” for her actions.
Details of the Incident
Following the initial collision, Cifuni exited her vehicle and attempted to speak with Pigford, who refused to engage. Prosecutors allege that when Cifuni yelled for a passerby to photograph the vehicle’s license plate, Pigford accelerated, hitting Cifuni and dragging her beneath the car.
“It was a moment of deliberate recklessness,” said Assistant District Attorney Tara Kelly. After hitting Cifuni, Pigford fled the scene, colliding with several parked vehicles before her escape was halted when both front tires blew out.
Fleeing the Scene
After the incident, Pigford fled to South Carolina, where she has family, but returned to Brooklyn on Tuesday, at which point she was apprehended by authorities. During questioning, she denied responsibility, attributing blame to the car’s owner.
Her attorney sought bail, arguing that Pigford has strong community ties and works as a home health aide. However, with serious charges stacked against her—including manslaughter and reckless driving—Judge Douglas rejected the request.
A Family’s Plea for Justice
Cifuni’s family has expressed their anguish, indicating their commitment to pursuing justice for Tiffany. In a statement, Tiffany’s father-in-law, Nick Cifuni, mentioned the devastating impact of her loss, remarking, "We will not rest until we get justice for Tiffany."
The case remains under investigation, with Pigford scheduled for her next court appearance on July 30.
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