A Riverside man pleaded guilty this week to fatally striking a bicyclist in Oceanside on St. Patrick’s Day, then fleeing the scene.
Christian Joshua Howard, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony count of hit-and-run causing death and a misdemeanor count of destroying or concealing evidence in connection with the March 17 crash that killed 51-year-old Tracey Gross, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Gross was riding her bicycle in the area of state Route 76 and Singh Way around 11:30 p.m. when she was struck. Police said the suspect drove off after hitting Gross and dragged her bicycle about 2 miles down the road.
Gross, a postal carrier and mother of two, died at a hospital the next day.
Howard was arrested May 3 at his workplace in Corona in connection with Gross’ death, according to Oceanside police, who did not reveal how he was identified as a suspect.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
Originally Published: