Leonardo Woman Pleads Guilty in Hit and Run That Killed Girl, 15

Middletown, NJ - A tearful Toni Marletta pleaded guilty Friday to driving away from the scene of an accident that killed Marissa Procopio, 15, of Atlantic Highlands last summer.

Marletta said she fled the scene of the accident because her car insurance had lapsed two months earlier, according to the Asbury Park Press. The hit and run happened on the evening of July 7, 2015. The girl was trying to cross Rt. 36 near Avenue D when she was hit. She died of massive head trauma at Jersey Shore Medical Center. Horrified residents and business owners who witnessed the hit-and-run called 911 after seeing the girl get hit, and then seeing Marletta's car drive away.

Marletta also admitted Friday to having her daughter and two other teens in the car at the time; she told them no to say anything until she figured out what she was going to do, according to the APP.

As Patch has reported, assistant Monmouth County prosecutor Meghan Doyle said she will recommend seven years in prison for Marletta, to be served concurrently to a five-year prison term for child endangerment.

Marletta's attorney, Peter O’Mara, issued a statement Friday saying Marissa crossed Rt. 36 against a red light and with “a gaited walk and, in the middle of crossing the highway’s westbound lanes, she began running and after running a few steps, was struck by right passenger side of vehicle," reported MoreMonmouthMusings.

Marletta fought back tears in court, but Marissa's mother, Danielle Procopio, said it's clear she feels no remorse. "A person with morals stops the car!" she shouted at Marletta Friday, according to MoreMonmouthMusings.