A Scots dad has said he could not stop crying after police arrested the fugitive accused of killing his daughter in a drink-drive crash.
David Robertson hopes that Aaron Sims will finally face justice after 21-year-old university student Chloe was killed in Philadelphia in January last year.
Sims, 27, who had been on the run for more than a year, was snared by US marshalls after a surveillance operation prompted by a tip-off.
But David, 53, from Largs, Ayrshire, told how his elation at the arrest quickly turned to sadness.
He said: “My initial feeling was of joy. Then I cried tears of sorrow because nothing will bring our beautiful and beloved Chloe back to us.
“By absconding, Sims didn’t give a thought for Chloe and our family and so now I just hope and pray he is punished to the fullest extent of the law.
“Whatever is handed down won’t come close to the life sentence our family and Chloe’s friends have to endure.”
Chloe had been in an Uber taxi in Philadelphia when it was hit from behind. She suffered broken femurs, a broken arm, four pelvic fractures and deep cuts to her forehead. She died later in hospital.
She was studying at West Virginia University and had gone on a trip to the city with a friend.
Sims, of Camden, New Jersey, was arrested and charged with causing homicide by vehicle. He is alleged to have been high on cannabis and more than twice the legal alcohol limit.
Property investor David, 53, moved to Clermont, Florida, in 2003 with wife Anita, 55, Chloe and her sister Lauren, now 26. Relatives in Scotland include sister Kaye.
Kaye, 53, said: “Sims has shown no remorse and no accountability. This is the first step towards getting justice. He will never get the sentence he deserves but at least for now he’s behind bars.”
Chloe was due to be maid of honour at Lauren’s wedding to partner Travis in April last year and, following her death, David found the speech she had written.
It was read out by a friend at the wedding on April 22, Chloe’s 22nd birthday. In the speech, Chloe wrote:
“Lauren, you are my favourite know-it-all, my personal bodyguard and best friend.”
David said: “Like me, Chloe was never the most organised so to find she had written this speech more than four months before the wedding was amazing.”
After her death, her boyfriend Bryce Tamborra told her family they were planning to get engaged after graduation.
David said: “My daughter had everything going for her and her whole life to look forward to and enjoy. She was beautiful both inside and out and loved everybody and everything in her life.”
Kaye said: “It was lovely seeing Lauren’s wedding on Zoom and hearing Chloe’s beautiful speech read out. They also had a tribute table for her with photographs. It felt like she was with us all on the day.
“She was the most beautiful, kind girl and was always asking me to send over goodies from Scotland such as Maltesers and pickled onion Monster Munch crisps.”
Chloe’s sister Lauren said: “I miss picking up the phone and calling her.
“It can be really lonely losing your only sibling and it’s something I’ve really struggled with.”
Sims faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault while driving under the influence and homicide by vehicle.
