Man charged for fatal hit and run of teen on minibike in Taylor

Image 1 of 3

Suspect Justin Saum.

A Taylor man is now charged in a hit and run accident, that left a 17-year-old dead and another teen injured, resulting in an emotional day in court.

"I just wanted to see what he looked like in court," said Jesse Jaime.

For the first time we are getting a look at Justin Saum, the 35-year-old man accused of striking two teens on a mini bike and fleeing the scene.

Austin McCumber, 17, died from his injuries. His passenger and dear friend 17-year-old Marty Jaime was injured, but survived.

"He is going through a tough time, one of his good friends," Jaime said. "We are just doing the best we can."

Family and friends of Austin McCumber, some wearing images of the teen, tearfully watched in court as the judge charged Saum with leaving the scene of an accident causing death and driving with a suspended license.

Police say McCumber drove through a stop sign at the intersection of Joan and Harold streets and struck Saum, colliding with Saum's white pickup truck.

Instead of staying and helping the teens, police say Saum took off. Investigators eventually identified Saum and brought him into custody.

His attorney says he willingly did submit to a drug and alcohol test which he passed.

"I hope the police do a thorough investigation," Jaime said. "Because I don't know everything. I do know what my son told me, I just hope police do the right thing."

The judge says Saum is no stranger to the law and cited several previous convictions.

He set bond at $350,000. Saum expected back in court in a couple of weeks.