Pitcairn Man To Stand Trial In Fatal Hit & Run
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A judge has ordered a Pitcairn man to stand trial in connection with a deadly hit and run accident during last winter's big snowstorm in February.
Prosecutors say Alonzo Cotton, 55, is accused of driving under the influence and going too fast for snowy conditions when he allegedly hit 50-year-old Ernestine Ross.
She was walking along a snow bank on Bennett Street in Homewood.
Today in court, a passenger in the car testified about what happened that night.
"The streets were piled high with snow; there was a lot of ice in the area. He was concerned enough that he asked Mr. Cotton to slow down. At that point, the victim was struck by the vehicle. He told Mr. Cotton to stop," said Mark Tranquilli, the prosecutor. "Mr. Cotton did not and ultimately let the witness out a couple of blocks down the street."
According to police, Cotton admitted to having been drinking before the accident.
However, Cotton's lawyer says prosecutors can't prove his client was actually drunk.
"Mr. Cotton has turned himself in twice in this case and has expressed his immense remorse to Ms. Ross' family," said James Sheets, the defense attorney. "There was no intent here on his part. There is no way they can prove that Mr. Cotton was drunk at the time of this accident."
Cotton is headed to trial on several charges including homicide by vehicle and DUI.
