Suspect Held on $500K Bail in Fatal Hit-and-Run of Child

James Horton, 45, was arraigned in Dorchester District Court for motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death

A Massachusetts man accused in a hit-and-run which caused the death of an 8-year-old Mattapan girl over the weekend is being held on $500,000 bail..

James Horton, 45, was arraigned in Dorchester District Court Monday morning for motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death.

Yadielys DeLeon was riding bikes with her 12-year-old cousin Saturday night when a driver hit them on W. Selden St. in Mattapan. Although he's still receiving treatment, the boy is expected to be okay; however, DeLeon died of her injuries at Carney Hospital.

Horton was found in Brockton early Sunday morning after police say he fled the accident scene.

Prosecutors say Horton was speeding in a 2015 Chevy Cruze rented by another woman when he struck the children and hit a parked car over the weekend. Horton, who also has 14 restraining orders, five aliases and has previously served time in jail, was found hiding in a closet in his Brockton home, according to prosecutors.

During the arraignment, his attorney, Alyssa Hackett, said that Horton did not act intentionally and didn't mean to cause harm.

DeLeon's elementary school released a statement that says, "Our hearts are broken by the tragedy that has taken our student, Yadielys DeLeon. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and with all of our students and teachers who she touched with her joy every day. We will have special counselors in our school to help our school through these sad days."

The D.A. says Horton's open bail in two previous cases had also been revoked, and that he must wear a GPS device if he's released prior to his trial.

Horton's next court date is July 13.

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