Hamilton man back in court next month for deadly pedestrian crash

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A Hamilton man who was the driver of a truck that police say hit two pedestrians in Hamilton and killed one will be back in court next month for a pre-trial hearing.

Steven James Rogers, 59, who has been in the Butler County Jail since the fatal crash on Nov. 9, is facing two counts of aggravated possession of drugs, aggravated vehicular assault, operating a vehicle under the influence, operation of a motor vehicle under points suspension, failure to stop after an accident, operating a vehicle under the influence of methamphetamine, and operating a vehicle under the influence of cocaine metabolite, in addition to the aggravated vehicular homicide charge.

Steven Rogers, left, appeared with attorney Richard Hyde for a hearing in Judge Keith Spaeth’s courtroom in Butler County Common Pleas Court Thursday, Jan. 18 in Hamilton. Rogers is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and felony drug charges for allegedly hitting two pedestrians, killing one, in Hamilton. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

icon to expand image

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bond is set at $180,000, and his next appearance is scheduled for April 29.

RELATED: Victims identified in fatal pedestrian accident in Hamilton

Rogers’ attorney, Richard Hyde, said Thursday in Butler County Common Pleas Court that more time is needed to review evidence and a motion to suppress may be filed.

Three people — a man pushing a baby in a stroller and two women, including 18-year-old Allison Reyes Castillo — were walking west across the 500 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard at about 7:45 p.m. on Nov. 9 when both women were hit in the southbound lane, according to police.

Reyes Castillo died a short time later at Fort Hamilton Hospital. The other female pedestrian, Ann Marie Wagers, 38, was transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment.

MORE: 44 people indicted in Butler, Warren counties

While officers were at the crash scene, dispatchers received a call about a red truck pulled over near Pershing Avenue with heavy damage.

MORE: Franklin man pleads guilty in nationwide federal investigation into child porn

Rogers was in possession of methamphetamine and suboxone strips at the time of the crash, according to police. Court documents reveal that Rogers has been arrested more than 70 times for various traffic, drug and other criminal offenses since 1990.

About the Author