CHESAPEAKE, Va. — A mistrial has been declared in the trial of a man charged in the deadly hit-and-run of a Chesapeake boy last October, 8-year-old Forrest Hooper.
Prosecutors say a mistrial was declared in the case against 39-year old Richard Humbert because jurors were improperly researching and discussing the case outside of the courtroom.
Watch: Man accused of hit-and-run that left Chesapeake child dead told detectives he thought he hit a deer
Humbert was charged with not reporting the accident that resulted in Hooper's death. It happened nearly a year ago on October 3, 2023.
Chesapeake Police say Humbert struck Hooper who was attempting to cross the 1700 block of South Battlefield Boulevard in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake.
Hooper’s grandmother, Cindy Lutz, is disappointed with the mistrial.
"We are disappointed because it’s been a process getting here. It’s seems like we’ve taken a step back," Lutz said.
Watch: Man back in court after Chesapeake hit-and-run that left 8-year-old dead
The Chesapeake Commonwealth’s Office says that a new trial date will be established.
The new trial would have new jurors.
"We look forward to a new trial date," Lutz said.
Watch: Man identified, arrested after 8-year-old killed in Chesapeake hit & run: Police
Forrest's grandmother says there’s not a day that goes by where she doesn’t think about her grandson.
"I think of who he could have become and the contributions he could have made to this world."
