(WWJ) An East Tawas man has pleaded guilty to causing a crash that killed a 16-year-old boy last year.
Last August, Mark Elliott hit 16-year-old Dohnovan Newcome with his truck while the teen rode his bicycle at the intersection of US-23 and Tawas Beach Road, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Newcome, a native of metro Detroit, died in the hospital.
Nessel announced that Richard Vollbach Jr. on Wednesday pleaded guilty as charged to a moving violation causing death, in Arenac County's 81st District Court. The charge is a one-year misdemeanor.
The AG took over the case after local prosecutors recused themselves due to their familiarity with the defendant.
"While no court outcome will ever offset the pain inflicted on Dohnovan's family and friends, Mr. Elliott's admission of guilt in this tragic case avoids a drawn-out trial," Nessel said. "It is my hope this plea provides a sense of justice and relief for Dohnovan's loved ones."
According to an obituary for Newcome, he died while doing one of the things he loved most: riding the bike he purchased with his own money.
Newcome was born in Southfield but then moved north with his family, attending high school in Oscoda. In the 11th grade, the teen "had so many great goals and aspirations for his future," the obit reads, adding: "He used his 16 years to the fullest and had wisdom and compassion beyond his years!"
Elliott's sentencing is set for Aug. 12.
