Wigmaker who plowed into mother, kids said she was ‘possessed’ after fatal crash: Police

In a tragic incident that has shaken the Brooklyn community, 35-year-old wigmaker Miriam Yarimi faces multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, following a devastating car crash that resulted in the deaths of 32-year-old Natasha Saada and her two young daughters, Diana (8) and Deborah (5). ​

The accident occurred in the Gravesend neighborhood as Saada and her children were leaving Shabbat services. Yarimi, driving an Audi A4 with a suspended license and lacking insurance, allegedly ran a red light at approximately 50 mph in a 25 mph zone. Her vehicle collided with an Uber, causing it to overturn and strike the family on the sidewalk. Saada and her daughters were killed, while her 4-year-old son, Philip, sustained critical injuries. ​

Witnesses reported that Yarimi exhibited erratic behavior at the scene, telling emergency responders she was “possessed” and had “the devil in me.” She also expressed paranoid beliefs, claiming she was being pursued by the CIA. These statements have led to her undergoing psychiatric evaluation at Bellevue Hospital’s prison ward prior to arraignment. ​

Yarimi’s background Details

Yarimi’s background reveals a history of concerning behavior. She had amassed over 93 traffic violations, including instances of excessive speeding and running red lights. In 2024, she posted footage online threatening to sue the NYPD over a prior psychiatric arrest, alleging officers entered her home without a warrant during a custody dispute. Additionally, she previously secured a $2 million settlement from the city after alleging sexual abuse by an NYPD officer when she was a minor. ​

The community has been profoundly affected by this tragedy. Thousands attended the funeral services for Saada and her daughters in Borough Park, after which their bodies were transported to Jerusalem for burial. Mayor Eric Adams extended his condolences and assured a comprehensive investigation into the incident. ​

As the legal proceedings unfold, this heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of road safety and mental health awareness. The community continues to mourn the loss of Saada and her daughters, while rallying around the surviving son as he recovers from his injuries.