Man pleads guilty to hitting and killing Lee County 9-year-old

LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – A man pled guilty to hitting and killing a 9-year-old Lee County boy.

Hunter Newman pled guilty Friday morning to culpable negligence manslaughter in the death of Dalen Thomas.

He was sentenced to 20 years, but will only serve two if he maintains good behavior. Newman will also be on probation for five years after his release.

Newman hit Dalen Thomas as he was crossing Highway 370 to get on a stopped school bus. Law enforcement said the bus had its safety arm and stop sign extended. The incident happened on Halloween of 2018.

Thomas died later that day from his injuries in the crash.