By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-803957.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A 21 year old Amherst man accused in the fatal hit and run accident of a Buffalo woman made a brief court appearance Wednesday. Christopher Tulumello faces a slew of charges including vehicle manslaughter, D.W.I. and driving without a license.
23 year old Amanda Knowlton died after being struck last week as she crossed Main Street at LaSalle with her young child. But Tulumello's felony hearing was adjourned Wednesday. He appeared briefly in a Buffalo City Court room, but had no comment as he was escorted out of court in handcuffs.
Defense attorney Joel Daniels asked for more time to gather information in the case. Witnesses told police a pickup truck swerved around a car that stopped for a red light, struck the victims, then sped off. Knowlton's four year old year old son Isiah Ortiz was also hit and broke his arm. Attorney Steve Boyd is representing only the little boy for a possible civil lawsuit. He says Isiah is recovering from his injury.
The boy's father Nick Ortiz was taking care of the child since the accident, but had to return to Texas to complete five days of duty Military duty. However, Ortiz is planning to return to Buffalo to care for the boy. Ortiz and Knowlton had joint custody.
Tulumello had a previous drunk-driving conviction last year. A felony hearing is now scheduled for January 8th.
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