Nearly a year after a devastating hit-and-run took the life of 90-year-old Bertha Abma in Cedar, a 26-year-old Nanaimo man has been formally charged.
In a media release, Nanaimo RCMP said Justin Kenneth Nicholls was arrested and charged on Wednesday, February 12th, with one count of failing to stop at an accident causing death.
Nicholls allegedly struck Abma with his SUV on February 24th, 2024, along Cedar Road near Bennie Road, then fled the scene, leaving her fatally injured.
A passerby discovered Abma unconscious at around 8:50 p.m. and immediately called 911 while attempting to provide first aid. Despite efforts from both the good Samaritan and emergency responders, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Related: 90-year-old Nanaimo woman killed in hit and run incident: RCMP
RCMP stated at the time that they believed the collision had occurred earlier in the evening and that the driver did not stop or notify authorities.
The BC Coroners Service was contacted, and investigators, including an RCMP Collision Analyst, launched an extensive probe into the fatal crash. The roadway was shut down for over four hours to allow for evidence collection.
The case remained unsolved for months due to a lack of witnesses. However, Nanaimo RCMP say key information provided by members of the Cedar community was instrumental in making an arrest.
Nicholls, with no prior criminal history in BC, appeared in court on February 12th and is set to return on April 8th.
