A 24-year-old Saint-Constant man has pleaded not guilty to the fatal hit and run of a two-year-old boy.
Rousillon police arrested Rick Modi on Wednesday, more than a month after Dominique Wenga was struck on Rabelais St. at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday May 27, saying they believe Modi drove away from the incident.
Dominique was playing in the backyard of his home when he disappeared from his parents’ sight. Minutes later they found him unconscious on the street, and he later died of his injuries.
Neighbours said it was difficult to cope with Dominique's death.
"The little guy was in the same daycare as my daughter and it's hard, you know," said Rafael Noronha.
Modi lives 60 metres away from the Wenga household.
Police reportedly seized his black Chevrolet Cruze in connection with the incident.
Modi appeared stone-faced in Longueuil court Thursday as both his family and the family of the victim appeared in court.
"He is specifically accused of failing to stop when bodily injury has occurred and that death is a possibilty and that death results," said Crown Prosecutor Erin Kavanagh.
Both families left the courthouse very swiftly after the hearing.
If found guilty, Modi could face life in prison.
“The Crown is morally convinced we have the evidence necessary to file and accusation and obtain a guilty verdict at the end of the proceedings,” said Kavanagh.
Modi has a bail hearing on Friday, and the Crown will oppose his release.
