Court hearings for a driver accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist before leaving the scene have been delayed for about three months.
Eric Winship, 28, of 3885 Rosewood Court, is accused of driving a red GMC Jimmy that struck and killed bicyclist Kyla Ortlieb, 21, of Columbus. The fatal accident on Oct. 20, 2019, occurred near the intersection of 11th and Chestnut streets.
Although a change of plea hearing had been set for May 28 before Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin, the matter has been rescheduled to Aug. 31 at 10 a.m. This is the fourth time this hearing has been postponed.
In addition, the jury trial originally set for June 23 is now set to take place on Sept. 29 at 8:30 a.m. Two previous jury dates had been continued.
Winship is charged with causing death when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated (a Level 4 felony), leaving the scene of an accident (a Level 3 felony) and unlawful possession of a syringe (a Level 6 felony). If found guilty on all three counts, he could be sentenced from 5½ to over 30 years in prison, as well as ordered to pay up to $30,000 in fines.
Most cases in Bartholomew County have been postponed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 19, all courtrooms have been closed to the general public, and judges have only handled what they consider essential matters. The judges are Kelly Benjamin of Bartholomew Circuit court, James Worton of Bartholomew Superior Court 1, and Kathleen “Kitty” Tighe Coriden of Bartholomew Superior Court 2.
In addition to reevaluating what cases are considered essential, the judges are also in the process of drafting a directive to the Bartholomew County Bar Association that explains how the three major courts will begin to increase their numbers of hearings in June.
Jail officials confirmed that Winship is being held in the Bartholomew County Jail in lieu of $132,000 surety or $13,200 cash bond.
