A suspected hit-and-run driver accused of striking and killing a homeless woman who was attempting to cross U.S. Highway 441 in Marion County has pleaded not guilty.
Marion County court records show that Christian Patrick Parker, 25, entered a written plea of not guilty on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Parker has been charged with vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a crash involving a death in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that occurred in early December of 2024.
According to the Belleview Police Department, officers responded to the 10400 block of S U.S. Highway 441 in Belleview at around 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in reference to a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian.
When officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they found the body of a woman, identified as 34-year-old Ariel Hartford, in the roadway. She had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Witnesses told police that a vehicle, later identified as a black 1999 Lincoln Town Car, had struck Hartford while she was crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk.
BPD detectives obtained video surveillance footage from a nearby business that showed the Lincoln Town Car speeding through the right-hand turn lane and running a red light on Highway 441. Moments later, the vehicle struck Hartford and then fled the area in a southbound direction without making an attempt to stop.
Prior to the fatal hit-and-run crash, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office had received a report regarding the same Lincoln Town Car. According to police, witnesses had observed the Lincoln’s driver speeding, using a cellphone, and “forcing other vehicles off the road.”
An investigation revealed that Parker was the registered owner of the Lincoln Town Car. He also allegedly matched the description of the driver that was provided by witnesses.
Later in the day on December 1, 2024, BPD was joined by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Ocala Police Department, and Lake County Sheriff’s Office as law enforcement officers searched for Parker.
The following day, Parker was located by law enforcement in a camper that was parked in the backyard of a residence in Summerfield. After initially ignoring commands to exit the camper, Parker eventually complied and was detained in handcuffs.
A nearby resident told investigators that Parker had claimed his vehicle was “stolen” on December 1, 2024.
Parker was transported to BPD headquarters. After being read his Miranda rights, Parker refused to speak with officers. He was then placed under arrest and transported to Marion County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
The case against Parker is scheduled to go to trial, with jury selection set to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, according to court records.
Parker is being represented by Ocala-based Attorney David Gerhardt Mengers.