Rochester mom pleads guilty after son killed crossing street

Cyonna Badger will serve 1 year of probation after 7-year-old Hakeem Badger's death in 2024

Feb. 2, 2026 at 2:55pm

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A Rochester mother has pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide after her 7-year-old son Hakeem Badger was hit and killed by a U-Haul truck while crossing the street with his mom and sister in 2024. Cyonna Badger will be placed on one year of interim probation, with conditions set by the court, and upon completion will be able to withdraw her plea and accept a lesser charge of endangering the welfare of a child.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences that can occur when pedestrians, especially children, attempt to cross busy streets outside of designated crosswalks. It also raises questions about how the criminal justice system should handle such cases where a parent has already suffered the ultimate loss of a child.

The details

On July 4, 2024, 7-year-old Hakeem Badger was hit and killed by a truck while crossing West Ridge Road in Greece, New York with his mom Cyonna and sister. The family was hurrying to catch the bus and crossed outside the crosswalk while traffic had the green light. Traffic on one side of the median had slowed for them, but Hakeem ran ahead and was struck by oncoming traffic on the other side of the street.

  • On July 4, 2024, Hakeem Badger was hit and killed by a truck while crossing the street.
  • On February 2, 2026, Cyonna Badger pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.

The players

Cyonna Badger

A Rochester mother who pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide after her 7-year-old son Hakeem Badger was killed crossing the street in 2024.

Hakeem Badger

A 7-year-old boy who was hit and killed by a truck while crossing the street with his mom and sister in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“This has always been about recognizing what a tragic situation we had on our hands. It's so sad, every way you look at this case. And it's about helping somebody get the resources they need so this type of incident won't happen in the future.”

— Janna Jahlen, Assistant District Attorney

“She's suffered enough... She's reliving it every day and it's pretty devastating.”

— Clay Harris, Founder of a community safety nonprofit

What’s next

The judge will set the conditions of Cyonna Badger's one-year probation later this week.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for improved pedestrian safety measures, better education on crossing streets safely, and a more compassionate approach from the criminal justice system when dealing with parents who have already suffered the unimaginable loss of a child.