Man Charged In Fatal Baltimore Hit-And-Run Believed Car Was 'Bewitched'

BALTIMORE, MD — A man who is facing charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision in Baltimore reportedly told police the vehicle he was driving during the incident was bewitched and controlled by Satan, according to authorities and a report.

On Sunday, shortly before 8:10 a.m., a Baltimore City officer was on routine patrol in the 1200 block of West North Avenue when he received a report that a man had been struck by a vehicle, police said in a statement.

When officers arrived, they found 48-year-old Philip Jones suffering from multiple injuries to his head and body due to being struck by a car, police said. Jones did not survive, police said.

After investigating and interviewing witnesses, detectives determined Jones had not been struck by accident and deemed his death a homicide.

Several hours later, police arrested 31-year-old Michael Akiel Manigo of Baltimore in connection with Jones's death. He was taken into custody after police found his disabled vehicle in the 2300 block of Annapolis Road.

Family told WBAL-TV that Jones was headed home from work when he was struck.

According to WBAL, police said Manigo claimed he did not know Jones and that his vehicle was bewitched and controlled by Satan.

Manigo was transported to the Central Booking Intake Facility, where he was charged with attempted first-degree murder. Upgraded charges are pending, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP.