ST. LOUIS — A man pleaded guilty on Friday in a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 17-year-old crossing Chippewa Street toward a business in 2022.
Jacob R. Alder, 27, pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and tampering with physical evidence, a press release said. He was sentenced to five years for leaving the scene and four years concurrently for tampering.
On July 29, 2022, 17-year-old Matthew Nikolai and his family were crossing Chippewa Street toward Ted Drewes Frozen Custard when Adler, driving a grey 2006 Ford F-150 truck struck him, the release said.
Nikoli fell into the eastbound lanes of Chippewa where he was struck by another vehicle. The second driver remained on scene.
He later died of his injuries.
Adler left the scene without reporting the crash to police. Charging documents said he then took his truck to a shop to have the body damage from the crash repaired.
“Our hearts go out to the Nikolai family,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “While nothing can remedy the loss of their loved one, we can hold the person responsible for Matthew’s tragic death accountable for his actions.”
According to a press release, Adler could serve 120 days in the Missouri Department of Corrections as part of his guilty plea. Near the end of the 120-day period, a report on his behavior would be sent to the court with a recommendation on whether he should be released on probation or serve his sentence, the release said.
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