MARBLEHEAD — The family of Allie Castner is urging that the driver who killed her be charged.

They made their case last night with family friend Gregory Spanos during an emotional selectmen's meeting. At times, selectmen wiped away tears as they listened.

"Charge the boy," Spanos said. "What are we waiting for? We have enough cause."

But police Chief Robert Picariello countered with a statement — read by Chairwoman Jackie Belf-Becker — explaining why the investigation has taken nearly a month.

Allie Castner, a 15-year-old Marblehead High School student, died after being struck by a car Aug. 24 as she was crossing the street at the intersection of Mohawk Road and Pleasant Street.

Up to 29 people have been interviewed, Picariello wrote, some multiple times. "One key witness was interviewed just this afternoon." Thus far, officials have released few facts beyond asserting that no one has been charged.

All information gathered will be reviewed with District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office today.

"I expect to bring this portion of the investigation to a conclusion tomorrow," Picariello wrote.

Sometimes reading from a statement, Spanos questioned why the case has taken so long. Chris Castner, Allie's father, has been told it will take months, he said.

Spanos also asked why the name of the driver has not been released, pointing out that it is widely known.

Moreover, he told the board that plenty of information — much of it on the Internet — is available.

"This boy has a terrible driving record. A terrible driving record." It includes, Spanos said in the forum, a surchargeable accident, a three-month suspension and speeding tickets. In addition, he was said to have attended courses for aggressive drivers, Spanos said.

All this in only a few months on the road.

"I was at the accident," Spanos said. "The boy was walking around."

He put his hands on his head to show what he saw. "I can't believe this has happened," Spanos quoted the driver as saying. He questioned whether the driver, whom he did not name in last night's forum, showed compassion for the girl he'd killed.

"Young girls are not supposed to die this way," Spanos said. "They're supposed to be able to walk the streets."

He noted a dent in the front of the car, indicating that Allie hadn't walked into it. There were no skid marks. "He just blasted right through." He questioned the driver's claim he never saw Allie.

Spanos also lamented the decision to withhold information. "Is this boy still driving a car? Has his license been suspended?"

Further, Spanos seemed to suggest that some want to blame Allie for the accident. "The police seem very focused with trying to place Allie's feet in the crosswalk."

Chris Castner spoke briefly, endorsing Spanos' statement.

"Each day I get up," Castner said, shaking his head. "I don't know where I'm going with this."

Allie would have walked in the crosswalk, he said. "My daughter is 151âÑ2 years old. She's a smart girl. She'd get up every day with a smile on her face."

On the last day of her life, he said, she woke with a smile on her face.

Chris Castner was followed by his brother, Peter Castner. "I see my role as trying to get my brother through this. It's really very difficult. ... I worry about my brother daily."

Both Castners looked worn. The speakers acknowledged the selectmen can do little to answer their complaints.

"Marblehead right now is a town that is really in pain," Spanos said. He said he spoke for Allie, who can no longer speak for herself.

"Allie will never have a sweet 16 party ... get married or have a chance to start a family."

"Just to express our condolences," Belf-Becker said, her voice so soft some of her words were lost.

"We'll do everything we can do to make sure there is an expedited solution to the matter," said Harry Christensen, removing his glasses and dabbing at his eye.

Earlier, a group from the Marblehead Little Theatre had come dressed in cowboy gear for their upcoming production of "Oklahoma." They gave the board a huge apple pie. The gesture brought smiles. Now the pie sat forgotten on the table while the members, red-eyed, called for adjournment.