Cabbie Found Guilty in Philly Hit and Run Crash
Attorney
(866) 735-1102 Ext 300
October 18, 2009
Yves Aristilde, 63, was found guilty of homicide by vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and related counts in the 2008 Philly accident that left a woman critically injured and her 5-year-old son dead.
About 1:45 a.m. on August 24, 2008, Dana Reynolds, 23, carried her son Terrell Elliott, 5, across Windrim Avenue near Lindley in Logan, when Aristilde struck them with his Yellow Cab. Officer Charles Phillips testified that Terrell hit the windshield, rolled over the hood and traveled 61 feet from the point of impact, and his mother was found 36 feet away. Witnesses stated that Aristilde’s cab was speeding through a red light at 15 mph above the posted 25 mph speed limit. The accident critically injured Reynolds and killed her son.
Aristilde, who left the scene of the accident, abandoned the cab about eight blocks away and walked to his home. He turned himself into police 14 hours after the accident and told police he did not stop because he heard gunfire. Assistant District Attorney Jude Conroy said eyewitnesses or police reports did not corroborate any gunshots.
Common Pleas Court Judge Benjamin Lerner issued the verdict after he heard the two-day nonjury trial. Aristelde awaits sentencing on December 8. He was taken into custody, by order of the Judge, pending arrangement of an electronically monitored house arrest. He faces 3 ½ to 7 years in prison for the manslaughter conviction. Aristilde had four DUI arrests, three convictions and several bench warrants for failing to show up for court proceedings, all in New York state, Conroy told the Judge.
If you, a family member or someone you know, have been the victim of a pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident, contact us today to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to take to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Napoli Bern Ripka LLP has the experience and knowledge needed to successfully handle your auto accident case. Contact us immediately after an auto accident and we will discuss the situation with you and come up with a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one’s wrongful death. Visit www.napolibern.com or call 1-888-529-4669.