Alleged driver turns himself in for hit-and-run accident that severed man's legs

The suspected driver of a car involved in a hit-and-run accident that severed a 60-year-old suburban man's legs was arrested after turning himself in to police late Wednesday at a West Side church.

Marcus Hampton, 26, knelt and prayed with supporters at the New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church before surrendering to authorities.

"I think all of us know that it's a tragedy and of course this family did not want to compound the tragedy," said the Rev. Marshall Hatch, pastor of the church.

Hampton allegedly drove the car that struck Cranston along a Matteson roadway on Friday, severing his legs below the knees and propelling his body through the windshield and into the car, said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart. He was on parole for armed robbery with a firearm and possession of a stolen motor vehicle, according to state records.

Hampton then allegedly drove 12 miles with Cranston in the car before dumping his body in Alsip, then drove to Blue Island and set the car on fire, Dart told reporters at a news conference. Cranston's feet were found in the roadway Friday evening and a passer-by found his body on Sunday.

"This was a horrific accident," Dart said. "Mr. Cranston's life was taken from him. The medical examiner's report shows that his aorta had been torn. How long he was alive ... I really don't have any information on that."

The arrest warrant for Hampton included charges of leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, obstruction of justice and arson, Dart said.

"I'd like to give my condolence to the family," said Hampton's father, Randall White, who said he had encouraged his son to turn himself in. "Our family never knew, we're a Christian family, we never knew anything about what happened."

Hampton's girlfriend and her brother were arrested earlier Wednesday for allegedly trying to help cover up the crime. Shawanda Smith, 28, and Anthony Smith Jr., 26, were arrested on charges of obstruction of justice and arson, said Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin.

Hampton and the Smiths were scheduled to appear Thursday in bond court, officials said.