Nationwide — Kianna Underwood, a former Nickelodeon child actress who appeared on All That, was killed in a Brooklyn, New York, hit-and-run in January. More than eight months later, police have arrested Michael Griffiths, a 72-year-old man, in connection with the crash. He was taken into custody in Brooklyn on Sept. 29 and faces charges for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident.
The crash happened around 6:50 a.m. on Jan. 16 in Brownsville. Police said Underwood was crossing Pitkin Avenue near Watkins Street and Mother Gaston Boulevard when a black Ford Explorer SUV struck her. Investigators said the SUV crossed the double yellow line while passing another vehicle before hitting the 33-year-old actress. Police also said she was crossing against the pedestrian signal.
Underwood was then struck by a second vehicle, described as a black and gray sedan. Authorities said the sedan continued along Pitkin Avenue and dragged her for about two blocks before leaving the area. Police later found her near Pitkin Avenue and Osborn Street, where she was pronounced dead. Both drivers left the scene after the crashes, according to People.
Griffiths now faces charges of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and leaving the scene of an accident involving injury. A Brooklyn grand jury reportedly indicted him on two felony counts connected to the case. The NYPD has not publicly specified which vehicle Griffiths was driving, although local reports have identified him as the driver of the SUV that initially struck Underwood. Authorities have not announced an arrest involving the driver of the second vehicle.
Underwood started acting when she was a child and later worked in television, film and theater. She appeared in seven episodes of All That in 2005. She also voiced Fuschia Glover in 23 episodes of Little Bill from 1999 to 2004. Her other credits included The 24 Hour Woman and the first national tour of Hairspray, where she played Little Inez.
Following her death, Underwood’s father, Anthony Underwood, posted a message on Facebook wondering whether anyone had been there to comfort his daughter after she was struck. The post was later deleted. Her death prompted continued questions about the two vehicles involved and what happened after the initial collision. Griffiths’ arrest marks a new development in the investigation into the crash.