Man Accused Of Killing Airman In Hit & Run Pleads Guilty

DENVER (AP) — A man accused in a fatal hit-and-run that killed an airman from Buckley Air Force Base has pleaded guilty.

According to Lynn Kimbrough with the district attorney's office, William Pettapiece, 32, pleaded guilty to one count each of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. He also faces a charge of driving under the influence.

Prosecutors said Pettapiece was driving a van that struck the rear of a motorcycle driven by 23-year-old Michael Snyder on April 9.

Snyder was a member of the 460th Space Communications Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.

Pettapiece faces up to 24 years in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 14.