New Haven Man Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter In Brutal 2021 Hit & Run

NEW HAVEN, CT — Charles Artis of New Haven pleaded guilty last week in connection with the brutal hit-and-run death of pedestrian Michael Santiago in 2021, the New Haven State’s Attorney said.

Artis pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree manslaughter and evading responsibility resulting in death and faces up to 15 years in prison when he's sentenced in New Haven Superior Court Feb. 16, 2023.

According to John P. Doyle, Jr., and court records, Artis was driving west on Chapel Street near Norton Street on Sept. 6, 2021 when he struck the victim as he was crossing the roadway. Due to the force of the collision, the victim went through the rear windshield and become lodged in the rear compartment of the vehicle, Doyle said. Artis drove for almost nine minutes with Santiago wedged inside the car then stopped, pulled Santiago out and left him in the roadway near a curb and took off, police said at the time and court records show. Santiago would die from his injuries.

New Haven police were able to link Artis to the vehicle in the collision, and later discovered DNA from Artis in the left inner forearm of the victim, Doyle said.

The case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney David J. Strollo. The New Haven Police Department investigated this matter and was assisted by the State of Connecticut Division of Scientific Services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.