UPDATE (9:30AM) -- The man accused of killing 8-year-old Layla Aiken in a hit and run crash has pled not guilty.
19-year-old Logan Hetherington chose not to appear in court Monday morning.
But who did show up was Layla’s stepmom, Amy Niemeyer, and grandmother, Barbara Aiken. She made a necklace with Layla’s picture inside so she can be connected to her granddaughter every day.
Neither wanted to speak on camera, but said they are disappointed Hetherington pled not guilty because the trial will then be a long process, making it harder for the family.
In court, the state attorney asked for the first available hearing for this case. The hearing scheduled for July 31st at 1:30 p.m.
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CAPE CORAL, Fla. -- The man accused of killing 8-year-old Layla Aiken in a hit and run crash is scheduled to be in court Monday morning.
The court arraignment is scheduled for 830 AM.
Logan Hetherington is the suspect in this case. He bonded out of Lee County jail here exactly one month ago after being arrested.
Back in March, Layla Aiken was hit and killed at her bus stop. Investigators said 19-year-old Logan Hetherington was the man behind the wheel.
Police said his dodge pickup veered off the road in Cape Coral striking Layla while she was waiting for her school bus. Investigators said damage found on his truck was consistent with Layla’s injuries.
As Hetherington left jail last month, we tried to speak with him but every question was met with silence.
Police said video surveillance also captured Hetherington getting into his pickup that morning, before the hit and run crash.
Police released a full report detailing the moments leading up to the deadly crash and how they said Hetherington tried to cover it up
The 120-page report claims Hetherington knew he had committed a crime and avoided police on purpose. According to court documents, he sent text messages saying he’s going to jail. Those documents also show Hetherington routinely drives around that area, using it daily to get to work.
Police said surveillance footage from neighbors shows Hetherington failed to stop at three stop signs before the crash.
Investigators said Layla was sitting on the ground near her bus stop and away from the road when Hetherington hit and killed her.
Right now, Hetherington is facing a number of charges including vehicular homicide.
