Charges in deadly hit and run crash
By: WROC-TV
Updated: December 12, 2007
Livingston County District Attorney Thomas Moran says a massive two and a half month investigation has led to an indictment in this tragic hit and run case.
John Martarello, an independent trucker, from the town of Butternuts just outside of Utica, has been indicted for leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it and first degree perjury.
Kaitlin Charity, a 20-year-old SUNY Geneseo student, was struck and killed in the early morning hours of October 20th.
She had been pulled over by a state trooper for speeding. After she was given a ticket, the trooper left the scene in pursuit of another vehicle before seeing Charity drive off.
That's when investigators believe Charity may have relieved herself on the side of the road. They believe she was hit as she returned to her vehicle.
Investigators determined Martarello was operating his 1984 Peterbilt tractor trailer northbound the morning of the incident.
Martarello and two other were questioned in connection with the accident.
"In six days these individuals went from having no idea who was responsible for hitting Kaitlin Charity, and in those six days working non stop quite honestly, they found three people from quite a ways away involved in striking Kaitlin that early morning. I was incredibly impressed by their efforts and their dedication, they really went non stop to find the people responsible," said Moran.
Moran says the other people questioned in connection with the incident will not face any charges. Martarello could face up to seven years behind bars, if he's convicted.
A court date for Martarello has not been set.
