PHILADELPHIA (March 11, 2025) — Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office First Assistant Robert Listenbee, with members of the DAO’s Homicide and Non-Fatal Shooting Unit, announced on Tuesday the conviction of two defendants for their roles in a crash homicide and attempted cover-up after 32-year-old William “Will” Lindsay was struck and killed while riding his bicycle in the city’s Allegheny West section in July 2020.
Ranisha Hackley (DOB 11/17/90) was convicted by a Philadelphia jury of Accident Involving Death (F2), Homicide by Vehicle (F2), Involuntary Manslaughter (M1), Tampering with Evidence (M2), and Conspiracy (M2). Hakeem Brown (DOB 7/24/88) was convicted of Tampering with Evidence (M2) and Conspiracy (M2).
On the evening of July 12, 2020, Lindsay was riding his bicycle in a bike lane on the 3800 block of Ridge Avenue when he was struck by a white Chevrolet Camaro driven by Hackley. She then fled the scene. He was subsequently taken to Temple Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries soon after arrival.
Investigators obtained video surveillance of the area that showed the Camaro strike the decedent. A patrol alert was issued, and the vehicle was located several days later at a car repair shop. Surveillance footage obtained from the shop showed Hakeem Brown dropping off the Chevrolet one day after the incident. Forensic testing of the vehicle found Lindsay’s DNA on fibers of clothing recovered from the car’s windshield. Investigators also determined that the Camaro’s owner was Hakeem Brown.
Members of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Crash Investigation Division (CID) interviewed Brown and learned that Hackley, his girlfriend, was driving the car at the time of the crash. With this information, investigators obtained a warrant for Hackley’s cell phone records and were able to confirm that she was in the area of the crash at the time Lindsay was struck. Additionally, CID determined that Hackley was on the phone with Brown at the time the decedent was struck and that she remained on the phone with Brown for approximately 30 minutes as she drove to his residence.
Utilizing the plethora of forensic evidence gathered by Philadelphia Police, Assistant District Attorney Lauren Crump of the DAO’s Homicide and Non-Fatal Shooting Unit secured guilty verdicts from the jury. Hackley was sentenced to 7.5 to 15 years of state incarceration by the Hon. Giovanni Campbell for her role in Lindsay’s death. Brown was sentenced to 1 to 2 years for conspiring with Hackley to cover up her crime.
“Thanks to Assistant District Attorney Lauren Crump of our Homicide and Non-Fatal Shooting Unit for successfully prosecuting this case,” said DA Krasner. “I also want to thank the Crash Investigation Division investigators who worked diligently to collect the crucial pieces of evidence that made this such a strong case. And finally, these convictions send a message to anyone who thinks they can drive recklessly and cover up their crime: you will be held accountable.”
CONTACT:
Dustin Slaughter, [email protected]
The photo below is provided by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office for use by members of the news media.
