ANGOLA, IN — The Northwest Ohio woman who struck two Angola teenage boys walking along a road near Lake James last fall, which killed one of the boys, has agreed to a guilty plea in a Steuben County courtroom.


Hope A. Richmond, age 46 of Montpelier, Ohio, pleaded guilty to three charges, which included: leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death (Level 4 felony), leaving the scene of an accident causing bodily injury (Level 6 felony), and obstruction of justice (Level 6 felony).


Richmond allegedly struck and killed 13 year-old Wayden Lane Bennett, and also injured his friend, then 12 year-old Ryly Cumings. The pair were walking to the home of Cumings the night of October 1 on County Road 275 North near Lake James. Wayden died from his injuries. Cumings sustained lacerations to his head. Authorities say Richmond fled the scene the night of the incident.


At the time of the accident, Richmond was on her way home after picking up a carryout order from a restaurant.


As part of the plea bargain, sentencing for the obstruction charge would run concurrent within the same time frame as the other convictions.


As a result of the sentencing deal, Richmond is facing up to a total of 14 1/2 years in prison. Roughly 2-12 years will likely be for the Level 4 felony, with another 6 months to 2 1/2 years for the Level 6 felony.


Richmond accepted and signed a plea deal on Monday in Steuben Circuit Court..


A sentencing date has been set for June 17th, 2023 at 10 a.m.