This story was originally published at Colorado Community News.
AURORA | An Aurora man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted in the hit-and-run death of a Parker man in 2023.
In late February, a jury found Tory Conyers, 46, guilty of vehicular homicide, hit-and-run causing death, reckless driving, eluding law enforcement and theft in a case stemming from 2023.
During Conyers’ May 12 sentencing hearing, Douglas County District Court Judge Elizabeth Volz gave Conyers 600 days of credit for time served.
At about 8 p.m. Aug. 21, 2023, Parker police responded to a theft call at a Parker Walmart. Store employees watching video cameras said they spotted Conyers stealing a cart full of merchandise and then driving off in a vehicle, according to court records.
Officers attempted to stop the vehicle near South Parker Road and Plaza Drive, but Conyers did not stop. For safety reasons, officers called off the pursuit. Shortly after, another call came about a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle.
Conyers had run a red light and struck 51-year-old Jossy Pinto who was in the crosswalk at Parker Road and East Lincoln Avenue. Pinto later died at a local hospital from his injuries.
With the assistance of the Aurora SWAT unit, Conyers was later taken into custody.
Conyers had told the judge at a May 12 court appearance that he did not see Pinto. He argued that he had wanted to tell the person he borrowed the vehicle from about the incident before he turned himself in, adding that he knew he would be caught.
“I never denied driving that vehicle,” Conyers said during his May 12 sentencing hearing.
He added that he does not blame anyone else for his actions.
That Conyers is taking responsibility for his actions is a positive.
Was he watching for police behind when he wenthrough the red traffic signal, hitting Jossy Pinto?
(As a driver instructor I have always taughto look before and while crossing a street in case someone makes a mistake and goes through theired signal.)