FHP: Car that killed 4-year-old Bradenton girl had bad brakes, other mechanical problems

BRADENTON, Fla. - Florida Highway patrol Investigators say a car that hit and killed a Bradenton girl last Thursday had serious mechanical issues and was "in a state of disrepair and not properly maintained."

Four-year-old Daisy Martinez  died after she was run over by the car driven by her mother. 

Shortly after noon, Gracie Moreno, 23, of Bradenton, was driving the 1992 Lexus ES3000  when she struck her daughter in a driveway in the area of 34th Ave E and 27th St E.

Investigators say a she and family member was attempting to push the car closer to the home, but was unable to move it.

Moreno got in the car and turned the wheels to the left.  As she started the engine, the vehicle lunged forward as the child was walking in front of it.

The Lexus continued across the property before hitting a fence, gate and two utility poles, according to a statement.

Weak brakes and a defective transmission were cited as contributing factors.

The child was taken to Blake Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.