Three people are facing charges in a hit-and-run crash in Athens last month that killed a University of Georgia student from Toccoa.
Knox Whiten, 21, died when he was struck by a vehicle as he walked along Chase Street near the Outer 10 Loop on March 21.
On March 31, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department announced the arrest of the driver, 28-year-old Virkerria Steward of Athens. Steward was charged with first degree homicide by vehicle, hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, false report of a crime and driving with a suspended license. She had been in custody since the date of the fatal crash on unrelated charges.
As the investigation progressed, police found evidence that two other people were involved in the crime. On Thursday, police issued an updated statement on the case, announcing the arrests of Sophia Harris Steward, 57, and Roderick Dejuan Marble, 47, both of Athens. Atlanta media outlets identified Steward as Virkerria Steward's mother and Marble as her stepfather.
Sophia Steward is charged with false report of a crime and felony tampering with evidence in Clarke County and second degree arson in Jackson County. Marble is charged with felony tampering with evidence in Clarke County and second degree arson in Jackson County.
Chief Cleveland Spruill praised the ACCPD Traffic Unit for their efforts in the case.
"These types of cases are among the most challenging to solve and I appreciate the diligent effort our investigators put into this case, working to bring these three individuals to justice," Spruill said. "These arrests showcase our Traffic Unit’s experience, training and skills."
Spruill said no other arrests are anticipated in the case.
Whiten's death is the eighth traffic fatality in Athens-Clarke County in 2021.
