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Teen killed in Cobb Co. hit-and-run

KENNESAW, Ga. — Two men are behind bars following a hit-and-run which police say killed a 15-year-old girl and injured two other teenagers Sunday night.

Cobb County Police charged Tansu Kanlica, 27, of Atlanta with failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, two counts of serious injury by vehicle, hit-and-run resulting in injury, and first-degree homicide by vehicle.

Garrett Anderson, 23, of Kennesaw was arrested on charges of theft of services, reckless driving, two counts of serious injury by vehicle, and first-degree homicide by vehicle.

According to police, Kanlica was driving a silver 2004 Nissan on Barrett Lakes Boulevard approaching Shiloah Valley Drive just before 8 p.m. Sunday. He lost control of the car before leaving the roadway, then crossed the sidewalk and struck three teenage girls walking to a nearby movie theater.

Friends and family identified the girls as 15-year-old Reina As-Salaam, 16-year-old Juliana Ferrell and 16-year-old Monica Epps. As-Salaam, a Tri-Cities High School student, was pronounced dead at the scene. Ferrell and Epps, both students at Sprayberry High School, were hospitalized. Ferrell is in critical condition in the ICU. Epps suffered several broken bones, but is expected to be OK.

Police said Kanlica fled the scene, but was located nearby shortly after the accident. They said they believe Kanlica was chasing Anderson for theft of services. According to warrants, Kanlica worked for a locksmith and was called to unlock Anderson's car. Once he did, Anderson took off and Kanlica followed. Reports say Anderson stopped suddenly, sending Kanlica's van out-of-control onto the sidewalk.