Driver in fatal hit-and-run of teen bicyclist pleads guilty

41-year-old sentenced to 5 years in prison

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 41-year-old Jacksonville man pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaving the scene of a fatal accident in the death of a 14-year-old boy riding a bicycle in August.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office booking photo of Lucious Hester

The guilty plea by Lucious Hester in the death of D'Quan Armstrong (pictured below) was accepted by the judge, over objections from Armstrong's family.

They wanted a trial after having been advised two weeks ago a plea deal was in the works.

Judge Tatiana Salvador sentenced Hester to five years in prison, noting he'd accepted responsibility, and called that sentence appropriate.

It was a case in which if Hester had stayed at the scene, there would have been no charges.

D'Quan Armstrong

Armstrong was riding his bicycle in the middle of Sibbald Road in Northwest Jacksonville at 1 a.m. Aug. 24 when he was struck by Hester's car.

Hester drove to his home about a mile away and called police to tell them what happened.

In court Tuesday, Hester apologized to Armstrong's family.