A Fayette County man accused of hitting and killing a Mt. Pleasant man with his car and fleeing the scene waived his right to a hearing Wednesday and will proceed to trial.
William P. Williams, 27, of Bullskin Township, faces multiple charges including homicide by vehicle in connection with the hit-and-run death of Robert “Bobby” Sheele, 64, on March 31. Sheele was struck and killed along the portion of the Coal and Coke Trail that crosses Mt. Pleasant Connellsville Road in East Huntingdon.
Williams was arrested in August after a tipster called state police to say Williams was bragging that he would get away with the crime.
The tipster later agreed to meet with Williams and secretly record his comments.
As a result of the recording and an investigation by state police, Williams was arrested Aug. 31 on charges of homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by vehicle, failing to stop for accidents involving death, failing to yield the right of way, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and failing to stop and render aid.
Lyle Dresbold, Williams’ private attorney with David J. Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, pleaded not guilty on behalf of Williams.
“Once we review the evidence, we’ll determine how best to proceed. My hope is that once we have a clear eye view of that (evidence), we can jointly make a decision on how to best proceed, taking both my client’s and the victim’s family’s interests into consideration,” Dresbold said.
Ashley Hixson, who lives along the two-lane highway, told troopers she let her dogs out about 7 a.m. when she noticed someone lying in the yard next to her house.
James Sheele, Bobby’s older brother, said his late brother loved to walk the trail “rain, snow or shine.”
“He never missed a day,” James Sheele said.
State police reported Bobby Sheele was wearing an orange jacket, dark pants and appeared to be carrying a flashlight when he was hit.
Williams remains free on $50,000 bail provided by a bail bondsman.
District Judge Charles Moore ordered Williams to appear before Westmoreland Judge Scott Mears Jan. 6 for arraignment.
