AHWATUKEE, AZ — The woman allegedly responsible for a fatal pedestrian-involved crash in an Ahwatukee neighborhood has pleaded guilty.
On November 2, 2017, about 4 a.m. emergency crews were called to an area near 40th Street and Chandler Boulevard.
Authorities say 36-year-old Martha Hilts was jogging when she was struck by a vehicle and left in extremely critical condition. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Witnesses reported that the driver of the vehicle, Shannon Scott, age 25 at the time, was driving on the sidewalk when Hilts was struck.
A plea agreement with Scott was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court last Wednesday.
Scott’s formal sentencing is scheduled for March 22.
When Hilts' husband Chris noticed she wasn't home by 7:00 a.m., he went out looking for her.
Neighbors say that stretch of road has seen its fair share of accidents. Steve Elwell told ABC15 at the time that he knows multiple friends who have also been hit while running or biking in that same area.
"It's kind of unbelievable; I thought 4 a.m. was safe," Elwell said. One of his friends was hit and killed the week before Hilts was struck.
Hilts left behind her husband and two young children, a boy and a girl.
