HYDE PARK, Vt. -
Just a few days shy of his 19th birthday, Benjamin Miller pleaded not guilty to three felony charges stemming from a fatal hit-and-run accident in June. Miller didn't say a word Wednesday in the Hyde Park, Vermont courtroom.
But he did cling to a bible he brought with him. Outside the courtroom, Miller didn't say much.
"Mr. Miller anything you want to say," said Fox44?
"No thank you," said Miller.
On June 30, Lamoille County sheriff deputies say Miller was driving along Route 15 in Johnson with his friend Arthur Miller. As the two approached a stretch of road they say he struck Ronald Turgeon, 56, who was on his motorcycle.
After that deputies say Miller took off. Shortly after, Turgeon died at the hospital.
According to court documents, Arthur Miller, the passenger, told police that they had a can of compressed air and that while Benjamin was driving he took a shot of it. After that they say he suddenly sped and blacked out before hitting the motorcycle.
Motorcycle advocates Joe Wilkins and Monty Springer sat in on Miller's arraignment. Both believed it was important to make their presence felt.
"We didn't know Mr. Turgeon but no one deserves to die like that," said Joe Wilkins.
"Well it's a tragedy no matter how you look at it because nobody wins in this, both sides have lost here," said Monty Springer.
Miller faces three felonies, including DUI resulting in a fatal crash. The judge did not set bail, so Miller is out free.
If convicted, he could spend several years behind bars. No future court date was set.
