Cabbie Convicted in Fatal New Year's Day Hit and Run

LAGUNA BEACH, CA -- A taxi driver was convicted Monday of a felony hit-and- run charge stemming from a crash that killed a 23-year-old pedestrian in Newport Beach on New Year's Day 2015.

It was the second trial for Ronald Aviles of San Clemente. Earlier this year, a jury deadlocked on the hit-and-run with death charge filed against the defendant.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 17.

Aviles was southbound on East Coast Highway about 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2015, when his van struck Travis Marton, who was crossing the highway westbound at Newport Coast Drive, according to Deputy District Attorney Stephen Cornwell.

Aviles failed to stop to help the pedestrian, who was pronounced dead at the scene. He was arrested by Laguna Beach police in his taxi about five miles from the collision.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock