Two charged in Evesham teacher's crash death

Authorities charged two men yesterday in connection with a car crash that killed a Burlington County middle school teacher on her way to work Wednesday morning.

Brothers Jose Luis Galindo-Sanchez, 26, and Lucio Galindo-Sanchez, 19, illegal immigrants from Mexico, were on their way to work at a sprinkler company in Medford when the accident occurred.

Amy Voorhees, 27, of Evesham, died at the scene. She taught seventh-grade language arts and coached softball at Frances S. DeMasi Middle School in Evesham.

The men's pickup broadsided Voorhees' car about 7 a.m. at Route 70 and Troth Road, authorities said.

The Galindo-Sanchezes live together in the 900 block of 19th Street in Camden.

Authorities said Jose Galindo-Sanchez, the driver, had told his brother to leave the scene after the crash. He has been charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering.

He was treated at a hospital and released.

Police picked up his brother, who was unhurt, walking about a quarter-mile from the accident. He was charged as a material witness.

Investigators have not determined whether any laws were violated in the crash.

Both men appeared in Superior Court in Burlington County yesterday. Bail was set at $62,500 for Jose Galindo-Sanchez and $10,000 for his brother, but they also were held on an immigration detainer.

Yesterday morning, players on the DeMasi softball team wore their uniforms to school to honor Voorhees, and other students wore armbands. Many wept, said Pat Lucas, superintendent of the Evesham Township School District.

"We're absolutely shocked and devastated at the loss of such a beloved teacher," Lucas said. "She was a wonderful, wonderful human being and role model, and loved by all of her students. It's a big loss. We just want to work on treasuring her memories here."

Crisis counselors were at DeMasi to help students cope with their grief, Lucas said.

"It's been very hard on them, and a tough time for all of us," she said. "Amy was a beautiful girl."

The spring holiday starts today, and "maybe that's a good thing for the children as they come to grips with the tragedy," Lucas said.

Plans for a memorial service have not yet been set, she said.