More than four months after a pedestrian was struck and killed in Batavia Township, four people are now facing charges in connection with the death of 28-year-old Colton Dearing.
Dearing was struck just before 12:30 a.m. on May 25 on Old State Route 74. He died at the spot. Dearing was a son, brother, and father of four.
According to court records, Donavin Reece and Jessica Washington have both been charged with obstruction of justice. Rebecca Shank is charged with obstructing justice and tampering with evidence.
Kara Leeann Shank, 19, faces the most serious charge: failing to stop after an accident, which is a second-degree felony. She remained in the Clermont County Jail, with a $75,000 bond.
Although the crime was investigated by the Ohio Highway Patrol, Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton stated via text that Reece, Washington, and Rebecca Shank all “came in” and bonded out in recent days.
Dearing’s brother, Derrick Kimberly, said he doesn’t understand why the vehicle didn’t stop.
“You know what I mean? They blew right through him. They did not slow down. There were no shriek marks where they attempted to halt. Do you understand what I mean? They blew right through him and kept pressing. That is why I cannot understand. Kimberly replied, “It was an accident because it was foggy.” “I understand you’re panicking or something, you know what I mean? But I don’t understand why they didn’t slow down, check on him, or do anything.”
Kimberly stated that he and other family members want to attend forthcoming court sessions in support of Dearing as the legal process progresses. Kara Leeann Shank is due to appear in court on Tuesday for a pretrial hearing.
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