NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The families of two teenagers who died together in a tragic early-morning car crash in New Haven say they never knew the youths had met until after their deaths.
Sixteen-year-old Destiny Ellis and 13-year-old Marshall Curry were killed in a crash shortly before 5 a.m. on Jan. 4, according to Connecticut State Police. In the days since, relatives on both sides have been left grieving — and searching for answers about how the teens crossed paths.
LaShawne Ellis, Destiny’s aunt, said she last spoke with her niece on Jan. 3. Jennifer Baker, Marshall’s mother, said she also spoke to her son that same day. Both women said their final conversations ended with “I love you,” unaware it would be the last time they heard their children’s voices.
State police said Marshall was driving a stolen 2019 Hyundai Elantra with Destiny as a passenger when the vehicle crashed on Whalley Avenue near Harrison Street. Investigators said the car veered off the road and struck a tree on the grounds of a synagogue. Both teens were pronounced dead at the scene.
Before the crash, New Haven police attempted to stop the vehicle after it nearly collided with a patrol car. Authorities said the car did not stop, but details about a pursuit have not been fully released.
Destiny had been living in a state-funded group home run by a nonprofit organization, according to the Department of Children and Families. Her aunt said Destiny had contacted her after a disagreement at the home and expressed unhappiness with the living situation. Ellis said she offered to have Destiny come live with her in North Carolina and had been working toward regaining custody.
Despite having no phone and little money, Destiny somehow made her way from eastern Connecticut to New Haven, where she encountered Marshall, her family said.
Marshall was a student at Wexler-Grant Community School. His mother described him as kind, funny, and eager for acceptance. Diagnosed with a heart condition at a young age, he was unable to play sports he loved, including football, and had been bullied for years.
Baker said her son struggled socially but remained compassionate and caring. She believes that whatever circumstances brought the two teens together, Marshall would have shown empathy toward Destiny.
Both families say they are now focused on honoring the lives of two young people whose paths crossed briefly — but ended far too soon.
