Family in shock after alleged driver in hit and run opts to take chances in court

Anger and disappointment as the family of a 14 year old hit and run victim spilled out of the Simcoe Courthouse Wednesday. An expected guilty plea turned into a change of heart for the accused. It means the case against 35-year-old Nicholas Burtch of Norfolk County will now go to trial.

Anger and disappointment as the family of a 14 year old hit and run victim spilled out of the Simcoe Courthouse Wednesday. An expected guilty plea turned into a change of heart for the accused. It means the case against 35-year-old Nicholas Burtch of Norfolk County will now go to trial.

“I’m angry, angry, very angry,” said the victim’s mother, the boy’s father at her side.

Due to a publication ban on the victim’s name, along with that of a young witness, CTV News is not able to identify family members.

OPP reported that on December 6, 2023 a 14-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while walking with a friend on Fairgrounds Road in the Hamlet of Cultus, in Norfolk County. The driver fled the scene. Thirty-five year old Nicholas Burtch was arrested and charged after OPP executed a search warrant at a Langton residence days later, locating the suspect vehicle. The 14-year-old later died of their injuries.

The victim’s parents said they had been informed by the Crown attorney that Burtch would be entering a guilty plea.

After several delays throughout the day, word came from the court that the accused has opted to go to trial.