Greater Long Island coverage is funded in part by Toresco & Simonelli, a boutique injury and family law firm in West Islip. They fight for their clients. Click here to get in touch.
The brother of Selden hit-and-run victim Victoria Hutson spoke with Greater Long Island about her life and the criminal case tied to incident that killed the 37-year-old three weeks ago.
Tommy Hutson said he is “heartbroken” over the loss of his sister and wants to honor her memory while calling for accountability in the case.
Hutson described his sister as a longtime public servant who spent 15 years working for the New York City Department of Homeless Services and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“She cared deeply about her work and about helping others,” he said, adding that she was one of 12 siblings and had a rare ability to make each of her siblings feel like they were her favorite.
Lan Truong, 44, of Selden, was indicted Monday by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney on charges related to the fatal crash. He faces one count of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, along with a related traffic infraction for allegedly operating a vehicle without a license.
Prosecutors said Truong was driving a 2016 Toyota Camry northbound on Boyle Road on Nov. 5 when he struck Hutson. Investigators said he then exited the car, dragged her to the shoulder, and left the scene while bystanders attempted to help.
He was arrested after police located the car behind his residence, observing blood on the windshield and passenger side of the car. Truong is being held on bond and is due back in court Dec. 16. If convicted on the top count, he faces 2⅓ to 7 years in prison.
Tommy Hutson said the driver “may have had a chance to save her life” but chose to instead leave the scene without calling for help. He expressed gratitude for the bystanders who stopped to help and called 911.
Hutson also pointed to what he described as a growing problem with fatal hit-and-runs on Long Island.
“Too often, the punishment has felt like nothing more than a slap on the wrist,” he said. “I am hoping the justice system delivers accountability for Vicky. She deserved so much better.”
Victoria Hutson would have turned 38 on Nov. 18. Her brother said the holidays will be especially difficult for the family without her.
He said he is sharing his sister’s story both to honor her life and to highlight the need for safer streets.
“No other family should endure this kind of heartbreak,” he said.
Top: Tommy Hutson, while playing basketball for SUNY Alfred State College in 2015, with his sister Victoria Hutson (Facebook / Victoria Hutson).
