Athens-Clarke County Police make two more arrests in the hit-and-run death of University of Georgia student Knox Whiten. The 21 year-old from Stephens County was hit by a vehicle on the Highway 10 Loop near North Chase Street on March 21; driver Virkerria Steward was arrested ten days later. Now police say 57 year-old Sophia Steward and 47 year-old Roderick Marble are also facing charges, accused of trying to cover up the accident. Counts include tampering with evidence.
From the ACCPD…
The Athens-Clarke County Police Department announces the arrests of two additional individuals in the March 21, 2021 Fatal Hit and Run Crash which killed Knox Whiten.
Sophia Harris Steward, 57, and Roderick Dejuan Marble, 47, both of Athens, attempted to cover up the actions of Virkerria Steward, who was charged on March 31, 2021 with First Degree Homicide by Vehicle, among other charges. Sophia Steward is charged with False Report of a Crime and Tampering with Evidence (Felony) in Clarke County and 2nd Degree Arson in Jackson County. Marble is charged with Tampering with Evidence (Felony) in Clarke County with 2nd Degree Arson in Jackson County. According to investigators, no additional arrests from this incident are expected at this time.
Chief Cleveland Spruill praised the ACCPD Traffic Unit saying, “These types of cases are among the most challenging to solve and I appreciate the diligent effort our investigators put into this case, working to bring these three individuals to justice. These arrests showcase our Traffic Unit’s experience, training, and skills.”