Gardiner man pleads guilty to fatal hit-and-run

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Gardiner man pleaded guilty in Ulster County Court Wednesday in connection to a fatal hit-and-run of a New Paltz student in January. Ty Kobelt, 33, pleaded guilty to two felonies, according to the Ulster County District Attorney's Office.

On January 24, deputies responded to Route 208 in New Paltz between the area of Hawk Drive and Cross Creek Road for reports of someone found on the side of the road. Once they arrived, they located Raymond Rattray, 22, in a wooded area near the road; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Through an investigation, it was determined that he had been walking along the road on Jan. 23, when he was struck by a 2018 Honda Accord operated by Kobelt. Authorities say Kobelt fled the scene.

He was later arrested in March. The Investigation determined Kobelt has taken steps to conceal the damage to his car, which detectives found after the first 15 hours into the investigation.

It was also determined that Kobelt was under the influence of cannabis and was using his cell phone at the time of the accident. Once arrested, Kobelt faced three charges.

"We all need to recognize that motor vehicles are dangerous and can be very deadly when operated under the influence of any substance or distraction of any kind," Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji said. "Every driver and operator of a dangerous instrument or weapon has a moral and legal responsibility to every pedestrian and others. Let’s care more and reduce these tragedies, because thoughts and prayers are not stopping them."

Charges:

• Second-degree manslaughter
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Leaving the scene of an incident, resulting in death

On Sept. 18, Kobelt pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting it. He was remanded without bail to the Ulster County Jail following his guilty plea.

"Today’s conviction will never bring the life back of Raymond Rattray. This was a senseless, careless and preventable travesty; a total disregard of human life and the law," Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said. "So many lives were changed forever that day, pray for their families. We must all know that life is precious. I thank the community, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s office for assuring that the voice of the victims are heard.”

Kobelt is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 19. In exchange for his plea, he faces 28 months to seven years in prison, the maximum sentence for felony leaving the scene. He previously faced a sentence of five to 15 years for manslaughter.