MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The suspect in a deadly hit-and-run accident in Morgantown is in custody.
According to Police Chief Ed Preston, Alexander Hambrick, of Winfield, has been charged under Erin’s Law for crash involving death.
The 19-year-old turned himself into police after his truck was recovered by investigators Monday.
“Individuals showing their concern through social media got the word out about the fatal hit-and-run,” said Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston. “What we had originally with the truck description we got out there as quickly as we could. That led to officers actually being able to locate the truck. Then they started processing it. That led to the apprehension of Mr. Hambrick.”
Carli Sears, 20, died at a Morgantown hospital from injuries received after being struck by a vehicle matching the description of the Hambrick’s truck.
The accident was early Sunday morning on Stewart Street.
Sears was a junior at Ole Miss majoring in hospitality management. She graduated from George Washington High School in Charleston.
“The University of Mississippi community mourns the tragic loss of Carli Sears,” said University of Mississippi vice chancellor for student affairs Brandi Hephner LaBanc. “We are simply heartbroken by the news.”
A memorial page has been established on Facebook.
Under Erin’s Law, a felony according to WV Code 17C-4-1, drivers who don’t stop at the scene of a wreck resulting in a fatality face 1-5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
A person charged under Erin’s Law could also lose their license for up to a year after being convicted.