Driver accused of hitting, killing student near UC campus pleads guilty

The driver accused of killing a University of Cincinnati student in a hit-and-run nearly two years ago has pleaded guilty to several charges. It happened in September 2022, when police said two pedestrians were crossing Jefferson Avenue in a marked crosswalk when a car struck the victims. The Honda CR-V continued north on Jefferson Avenue, striking a tree and stopping at West Martin Luther King Drive. Police believed the Honda was stolen. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene on foot. Both victims were taken to hospital with serious injuries. One victim, identified as 18-year-old Cayden Turner, died at the hospital. Days later, a 17-year-old was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, among other crimes. Last December, Michael Quarles, now 18, was charged as an adult in connection with the fatal crash. On Monday, Quarles pleaded guilty to several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, possessing weapons while under disability and leaving the scene of an accident. Quarles was sentenced to 12 to 16 years in prison as part of the plea agreement.