Roberts pleads guilty in hit-and-run accident involving Rachel Hall

Rashan Roberts, the 18-year-old charged in the hit-and-run accident involving senior lacrosse player Rachel Hall in April, pled guilty at the Criminal Justice Center on Thursday morning.

According to court records, Roberts pled guilty to an accident involving death or personal injury. He was arrested by police on May 6, and waived his preliminary hearing on May 22.

Roberts told investigators he “panicked” when he struck Hall on her bicycle at the intersection of Diamond Street and Park Avenue on April 29. He was driving his father’s 2012 silver Mitsubishi Galant with a learner’s permit at the time, and quickly fled the scene after striking the senior lacrosse goalie.

His sentencing is scheduled for October 13, according to court records.

Kathy Hall, Rachel’s mother, has been posting updates on Hall’s status on a Facebook page titled “Rachel Hall Temple Strong.” On May 27, Kathy posted that Rachel had been transferred from Temple University Hospital to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.

In the page’s most recent post, Kathy said that Rachel’s family and friends have set up a You Caring Fund page to help pay for her recovery costs. Through July 26, nearly $4,000 has been collected toward a $25,000 goal. To donate, visit http://www.youcaring.com/rachelhalltemplestrong.

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

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.