Man accused in fatal hit-and-run on S. Broadway formally charged

Dennis Esquibel suspected of driving car in deadly hit-and-run on S. Broadway. Sept. 27, 2012

DENVER — The district attorney formally charged the suspect in connection with the hit-and-run death of Laura McDermott on S. Broadway.

Dennis Esquibel, 25, is charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and vehicular homicide-reckless.

The charges allege that at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 23, Esquibel was driving southbound on Broadway at a high rate of speed when he hit 32-year-old Laura McDermott at the intersection of Broadway and Cedar Ave.

He’s accused of leaving the scene of the collision.

The suspect vehicle was found behind businesses and next to some railroad tracks in the 1300 block of S. Jason St. on Sept. 26. Police arrested Esquibel the next day.

Investigators say his mother turned him in, and then he admitted to them that he was the driver of the car that hit McDermott.

He remains in custody on $100,000 bond. Esquibel’s next court appearance is Thursday when he will be formally advised of the charges.

If convicted, he faces up to 12 years in prison unless there are aggravating circumstances which could take the sentence up to 24 years.