Hanover Township resident Royce Atkins, 22, was arraigned March 17 on criminal charges filed as a result of a Nov. 6, 2015, hit-and-run accident that left a 9-year-old boy dead.

Darious Condash, along with a 14-year-old cousin and 15-year-old friend, had just left a WaWa store on Schoenersville Road, Hanover Township, at about 6:30 p.m. The store is located about a quarter mile from Condash’s home, which was in Hanover Township, Lehigh County.

As he was crossing the street, Condash stepped back to pick up a piece of candy dropped on the road, and was struck and killed by Atkins’ blue Mazda. Atkins left the scene without stopping, but admitted his involvement to police Detective Gary Hammer three days later.

Following a preliminary hearing Jan. 15, Magisterial District Judge James Narlesky found sufficient evidence to send the case to county court.

Atkins faces charges of careless driving, a summary offense, and the more serious charge of failing to stop at an accident involving death or serious bodily injury. That is a second degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison and a mandatory minimum fine of $2,500.

At his preliminary hearing, Atkins faced the wrath of Darius Condash’s family, but they were absent at the arraignment. His lawyer, Jack McMahon, who was unavoidably detained, was also absent.

Standing with his father at his side in a suit and tie, Atkins quietly answered Senior Judge Leonard Zito’s questions.

He remains free on 10 percent of $50,000 bail.

Zito has tentatively scheduled a trial for May 2.

Darious Condash was in the fourth grade at Sheckler ES in Catasauqua.