A 28-year-old Cowichan Valley man has been charged with failure to stop at the scene of an accident causing death in connection with a hit-and-run in April that killed a 17-year-old.
Ryan Mesa is set to appear in court Oct. 15.
Leeann Joe was just a few weeks shy of her 18th birthday on April 18 when she was struck by a vehicle and killed while walking along the Trans-Canada Highway just north of Duncan.
Police said she was struck about 9:50 p.m. between Sherman and Green roads. She was found dead at the scene by emergency crews.
The announcement of the charge on Tuesday follows “a lengthy and complex investigation,” said North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP, who thanked the public for helping in the process.
After Leeann’s death, her family and Cowichan Tribes Chief Cindy Daniels pleaded with the driver to come forward.
Police later recovered a vehicle believed to be connected to the hit and run.
An arrest was announced in August.
Daniels issued a statement Tuesday saying she is pleased to hear that a charge has been laid.
“This step is a small comfort in the face of tragedy,” she said. “Nothing can bring this youth back to her family and friends, and my heart goes out to them during this painful time.”
Daniel thanked police for their work, along with everyone who provided information to them.
