A judge has rejected a defense attorney's motion to acquit a southwestern Pennsylvania man in the death of a 13-year-old girl struck along with another teenager as they crossed the road to board a school bus.
The Erie Times-News reports an Erie County judge ruled Wednesday that the trial should continue against 21-year-old Tyler Festa.
He is charged with homicide by vehicle as well as involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangering in the December 2011 death of Ashley Clark in Summit Township.
Prosecutors argue that Festa should have stopped once he saw the flashing amber lights on the slowing school bus.
Defense attorney Peter Sala says Festa was driving well below the speed limit and the children were crossing illegally.
The judge's ruling means the jury must decide the case after the defense calls witnesses.
Judge Nixes Acquittal in Girl's Death
Copyright AP - Associated Press
