CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — The jury in the trial surrounding the death of Forrest Hooper, 8, left the courtroom Friday afternoon to see the car believed to have struck him.
Police say Richard Humbert, 39, was behind the wheel of the white Honda Civic 13 months ago when Hooper attempted to cross South Battlefield Boulevard near Hillcrest Parkway.
Humbert faces one felony count of failing to report an accident resulting in death.
The Commonwealth called two police detectives and a forensics specialist Friday, and the jury saw pictures of Humbert’s Honda with noticeable damage to the hood, grille and front license plate. Then, the jury, attorneys for both sides and Judge Steven Telfeyan went to the police property and evidence garage to see the car firsthand. That viewing was closed to the media.
Surveillance video and other evidence led police to Humbert and his car. Police confiscated two phones from the car. A detective testified Friday that Humbert was not on the phone at the time of impact, and that Humbert was cooperative with them.
One of Forrest’s Nike sneakers was found on one side of Battlefield Boulevard, the other across the road. His cell phone was found more than 50 feet away from one of the shoes.
The case continues Monday and is expected to last through Tuesday. If convicted, Humbert faces from a year to 10 years in prison.