Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : A teenager has been tried as an adult for allegedly causing the death of a University of Cincinnati student in a hit-and-run incident while driving a stolen car. The tragic incident occurred in September 2022 on Jefferson Avenue, when two pedestrians were crossing the street in a marked crosswalk. Suddenly, a 2014 Honda CR-V, suspected to be stolen, disregarded a red light and collided with the victims, causing severe injuries.
Following the collision, the Honda CR-V continued its reckless course, careening north on Jefferson Avenue until it crashed into a tree near West Martin Luther King Drive. The driver of the stolen vehicle fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a scene of devastation and shock. The injured victims were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals fought valiantly to save their lives. Unfortunately, 18-year-old Cayden Turner, one of the victims, succumbed to his injuries and passed away.
The Cincinnati Police Department tirelessly conducted an investigation into the hit-and-run incident, leading them to make a significant breakthrough last week. A 17-year-old boy named Michael Quarles was apprehended and arrested in connection with the fatal crash. The authorities charged Quarles with multiple offenses, including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, carrying a concealed weapon, improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle, receiving stolen property (two counts), and failure to stop after an accident.
In a dramatic turn of events, the case and charges against Quarles were transferred from juvenile court to adult court by Judge Kari Bloom. This decision meant that Quarles would face trial as an adult, potentially facing more severe consequences if found guilty. Ultimately, the jury reached a verdict, finding Quarles guilty of the charges brought against him.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from reckless and criminal behavior. The loss of young Cayden Turner’s life has left a profound impact on the University of Cincinnati community and beyond. As the legal process continues, it is hoped that justice will be served and that this incident will serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible and safe driving to prevent further tragedies on our roads.