By Michael Keller
In a small brick house in Midwood, the blinds are shut but the lights are on. A long, black umbrella leans against the closed door and a reporter waits in a car outside. Inside, the Hakimisefat family meets with their lawyer.
Police charged Eric Hakimisefat, 16, with criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle out of class, police said, following a fatal car accident yesterday that killed his 13-year old passenger, Sarah Erdan. Hakimisefat was travelling at twice the speed limit when he lost control of his vehicle, sideswiping a tree and demolishing the brick porch at 1620 E. 23 St. The latter charge follows since his junior driver’s permit requires that a parent or guardian be present if he is driving.
Today it is raining in fits and starts in Brooklyn. Cars slow down to see the wrecked porch, others honk when they do. A sign on the mailbox reads “Please put my mail in mailbox of 1618” because access to the owner’s door is covered in rubble.
A newscaster records a tease in front of the home for the 5 o’clock news and asks a group of three teenagers if they have a photo of the deceased or of anyone else involved in the crash. The three teenagers are friends of Erdan’s Orthodox Jewish family. They say they do not have any photos and the newsman leaves with his cameraman.
The wind bites and makes the rain come at you sideways. Neighbors close their doors saying “I don’t know anything about the crash. I swear.” Others say that the Hakimisefats are a nice, quiet family.
A woman dressed in black emerges from the Hakimisefat house. Her lips are pursed and her hands motion that she does not want to talk. Another spat of rain falls as the reporters wait outside.
Sarah Erdan was buried today in accordance with Jewish custom. Jews mourn by sitting shiva – a seven day process starting the day of the burial. Observant Jews follow a series of customs such as wearing a torn garment covering the heart and remaining at home during the full seven days where friends and neighbors visit them. They recite the Mourner’s Kaddish – a prayer praising God, reminding the bereaved not to lose their faith. They are allowed to read the Book of Job.
Hakimisefat’s lawyer leaves the small brick house and picks up his umbrella from beside the door. He is tall with a long face. The family doesn’t have anything to say, he says, “maybe tomorrow.”
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