Driver who struck, killed skateboarder gets 4 years

Enfield (AP) — A Connecticut man has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for striking and killing a skateboarder with his pickup truck and then driving away from the scene.

Rocco Barile, 31, of Enfield, was sentenced Thursday in the December 2016 death of Jeremy Mercier.

Mercier, 20, was struck while riding his skateboard on Route 5 in Enfield.

Barile pleaded guilty in September to evidence tampering, negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and evading responsibility.

Police said Barile’s pickup truck matched the vehicle that hit Mercier and had damage consistent with hitting someone.

Material on the truck was linked to Mercier’s skateboard and DNA.

Barile’s attorney Trent Lalima, asked for probation, saying his client had no criminal record and a strong work record.

Prosecutors sought prison time, saying Barile not only fled by tried to hide his vehicle and repair the damage.