A 49-year-old teacher died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run. The driver, whose licence was suspended, now faces court.
Incident
Luke Russell, a 49-year-old high school teacher, was found unresponsive and bleeding on Marri Road in Katanning, Western Australia, in the early hours of May 13. He died shortly after a passerby called emergency services.
Investigation and Arrest
Police, including homicide detectives, reviewed nearby CCTV footage. Days later, they arrested Benjamin Thomas Simpkins, a 26-year-old local labourer.
Allegations
Police allege Simpkins hit Russell while driving to work from Katanning to Gnowangerup, then left the scene without stopping or calling for help.
Court Appearance
Simpkins appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Prosecutors stated his driving licence was suspended at the time of the incident.