A driver accused of hitting and killing a bicyclist and leaving the scene said at his first court appearance in Bartholomew Circuit Court that he intends to plead guilty on all three charges.
Eric M. Winship, 27, 3885 Rosewood Court, is accused of driving a red GMC Jimmy that struck and killed bicyclist Kyla Ortlieb, 21, Columbus, at 11th and Chestnut streets at 11:15 p.m. on Oct. 20, Columbus police said.
Bartholomew County Prosecutor Bill Nash filed three felony charges against Winship in Bartholomew Circuit Court, a Level 4 felony charge of causing death when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, a Level 6 felony unlawful possession of a syringe and a Level 3 felony charge of leaving the scene of an accident.
On Friday, Winship told Bartholomew Circuit Court Judge Kelly Benjamin in his initial hearing that he intends to plead guilty to the charges. He did not have attorney representation Friday and said he is not financially capable of getting representation.
Winship’s bond was initially set at $132,000, jail officials said, and he has remained in jail since his arrest.
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.
