A man has admitted his responsibility for a hit-and-run incident that he tried to cover up as it left a woman dead, as reported by the Journal Register News Service for The Times Herald.
On August 11 Philadelphia resident, G.O.H., 24, pleaded guilty to several criminal charges: accidents involving death, accidents involving death while not properly licensed, homicide by vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, reckless driving and operating a vehicle without the proper registration or insurance.
The incident occurred on February 3 at approximately 8 p.m. and resulted in the death of M.A.P., 53.
Both G.O.H. and M.A.P. had relatives standing by in court when G.O.H. entered his guilty plea to Senior Judge William T. Nicholas.
Assistant District Attorney, Lauren McNulty, alleged that G.O.H. attempted to cover up his crime by using both bleach and water to clean off M.A.P.'s blood from his car and windshield afterwards. She also stated that he got rid of his vehicle, a silver Ford Thunderbird, in Camden N.J.
G.O.H. has been remanded to jail in lieu of bail until sentencing. He is facing a minimum one-year sentence for leaving the scene and up to 25 years on other charges.
George Griffith Jr., G.O.H.'s defense attorney, said, "He didn't want to put the family through any testimony. He didn't want to have a trial and he admitted guilt. He certainly is remorseful. (G.O.H.) realizes that this was a horrible mistake that had disastrous consequences. I think these last months that he spent in jail really had a profound effect, he thought about what he did and I think he shows genuine remorse for his actions."
During the ensuing investigation it was determined that G.O.H. had a suspended driver's license in 2008 and an expired one since November 2010. He also lacked registration, state inspection and insurance.
The victim was crossing at Cheltenham Avenue, on her way home from work, when G.O.H., heading westbound, drove into her.
It was determined at her autopsy that she died due to head injuries sustained in the accident.
It has been alleged by authorities that M.A.P. had crossed 26 feet of well-lit roadway before C.O.H., in a careless manner, failed to observe her and yield the right of way to her. After striking the victim, C.O.H. slowed his vehicle but failed to stop or render aid.
A witness noted the license plate of the fleeing vehicle and reported it to police when calling 911.
Authorities located material at the scene that was compatible with the Thunderbird's passenger side mirror, which had been broken during the accident.
Information from witnesses helped investigators to track the car to where it had been purchased.
G.O.H. told investigators on February 5 that he had sold the car to a man "by the name of Jay" for approximately $300 two weeks before the accident. In the criminal report, County Detective R.T. and Cheltenham Officer J.M. wrote, "He also told investigators he has not seen the car since it was sold."
G.O.H. further claimed that at the time of the incident he was at the home of his girlfriend. After some time, G.O.H.'s girlfriend allegedly reported to detectives that not only had G.O.H been driving the car, he had enlisted her help in cleaning it up afterwards.
The vehicle, located in Camden, had damage to the windshield and passenger front-side mirror, indicating that it had been involved in the accident.
Facing criminal charges, and deciding how to proceed and plea, is best managed with the help of a qualified attorney. Click here for our directory and contact a criminal defense attorney near you today!
