An Auburn man accused of fatally striking a pedestrian in January now faces an upgraded homicide charge.
Christopher Dewitt appeared in Cayuga County Court on Thursday, where prosecutors added a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, a Class B felony, following a toxicology report. Dewitt was initially charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, and multiple traffic infractions.
The Citizen reported prosecutors have offered the 31-year-old Dewitt a plea deal with a sentence of seven to 21 years in state prison. However, his attorney, Joe Sapio, requested more time to review body camera footage from Auburn police before making a decision. Judge Thomas Leone granted the request, scheduling Dewitt’s next court appearance for April 24.
According to police, Dewitt was speeding southbound on North Street on January 10 when he crossed into the opposite lane, ran a red light, and struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk at North and Lansing Streets.
The victim was taken to Auburn Community Hospital, where they later died.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
