Woman to stand trial after involuntary death of 15-year-old cousin

PITTSBURGH — A 23-year-old woman will stand trial after an alleged traffic stunt ended in the death of her first cousin.

Nadia Goins-Samuels is charged with vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter after her cousin, 15-year-old Ronte Nelson-Goins, jumped on the trunk of her car and she drove down the street.

Nelson-Goins fell or jumped off the car and hit his head on the concrete. He would die at the hospital a few days later.%

%

“Ronte’s family knows deep down this was an accident and I think it’s a case that doesn’t warrant prosecution,” said defense attorney Ken Haber.

The defense told the judge that Samuels told Goins to get off of the car, but he wouldn’t.

After the accident, Samuels called 911 and told investigators what happened. The prosecution still argued that she was the adult in the situation and she must face the consequences.

“I don’t think anybody gains from prosecution in the case,” Haber said. “Certainly not anyone in the family, or the public.”

Haber said they will continue to ask that the vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter charges be thrown out as this case goes through the court system.

Cox Media Group