A taxi driver was convicted Monday of a felony hit-and- run charge stemming from a crash that killed a 23-year-old pedestrian in Newport Beachin the pre-dawn darkness of New Year’s Day 2015.
It was the second trial for Ronald Aviles, 58, of San Clemente. Earlier this year, a jury deadlocked on the hit-and-run with death charge filed against the defendant.
Aviles faces up to four years in prison, with sentencing set for Nov. 17.
Aviles was southbound on East Coast Highway about 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2015, when his van struck Travis Marton, who was crossing the highway westbound at Newport Coast Drive, according to Deputy District Attorney Stephen Cornwell.
Aviles failed to stop to help the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. He was arrested by Laguna Beach police in his taxi about five miles from the collision.
Jurors deliberated for about five hours in the first trial, deadlocking with four panelists voting for guilt, seven for acquittal and one undecided. Jurors in the second trial deliberated for about 45 minutes.
“I respectfully disagree with the jury’s verdict. I believe the majority of the first jury got it right,” defense attorney Brian Gurwitz told City News Service.
—City News Service