Roberts waives preliminary hearing

Rashan Roberts, the 18-year-old arrested for his involvement in the hit-and-run of Temple senior lacrosse player Rachel Hall last month, waived his preliminary hearing today at the Criminal Justice Center in Center City.

Roberts was arrested May 6, and faces a charge of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death or injury, and driving without a license. Defense Attorney Michael Hanamirian said Roberts waived his preliminary hearing to make legal proceedings easier on the Hall family.

Prosecutor David Lim said he spoke with Kathy Hall, Rachel Hall’s mother, during the past couple of days, as she remains by Rachel’s side at Temple University Hospital. Kathy Hall told Lim that Rachel can open her eyes, but is still unconscious.

Hanamirian said the Roberts family is sorry for the incident last month.

“This is certainly a tragedy,” he said. “The Roberts family is hoping Rachel makes a full recovery … Rashan is fully upset and sorry for the accident.”

Roberts’ formal arraignment hearing is scheduled for June 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Steve Bohnel can be reached at steven.bohnel@temple.edu or on Twitter @Steve_Bohnel.