Decision on charges could come today in fatal car-pedestrian accident in Summit

A Lake City man has been charged with homicide by vehicle in a Dec. 20 accident that killed a 13-year-old girl in Summit Township.

Tyler J. Festa, 19, was arraigned by video by Corry District Judge Brenda Nichols at 8:40 a.m. and was released on $25,000 unsecured bond.

Festa is accused of being behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Cavalier that struck and killed 13-year-old Ashley Clark, and injured 17-year-old Taz Giannelli, as they crossed Perry Highway to catch their school bus on the morning of Dec. 20.

State police also charged Festa with involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, duty of driver/amber lights flashing, careless driving-unintentional death and reckless driving.

The charges come following a lengthy state police investigation and a review by the Erie County District Attorney's Office of evidence collected in the nearly monthlong investigation.

Return to GoErie.com for updates. See Wednesday's Erie Times-News for more coverage.