WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. — A Kentucky man has been found guilty of hitting and killing a little girl with his car earlier in the year.
Wayne County Magistrate Judge John Cavins Tuesday found Branden Cornette, 29, of Inez, Kentucky, guilty in the crime and sentenced him to one year in jail and a $100 fine.
Cornette had been charged with misdemeanor manslaughter-negligent homicide in connection with the accident that killed Isol Colleen Newsome, 6, back in July.
Investigators said Cornette hit and killed Newsome while driving along Route 52 in the area of Laura Fork Road near Fort Gay.
Witnesses told Wayne County deputies that Cornette was speeding and ran off the right side of the road before hitting the little girl.
Cornette originally told deputies Newsome stepped out into the road and he was unable to stop in time. However, deputies reported there being no tire marks consistent with Cornette trying to stop before hitting Newsome.
Cornette’s attorney says they plan to appeal the verdict. The sentence will not be imposed until that appeal is heard.