Suspect who ‘killed’ Brielle Biermann’s best friend in hit-and-run pleads NOT guilty to homicide charge
THE suspect accused of killing Brielle Biermann's best friend Ethan McCallister in an alleged hit-and-run has pleaded not guilty, The Sun can exclusively reveal.
Jessie Morris was arrested by the Atlanta Police Department on August 11 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport as he arrived on a flight from the Dominican Republic, cops previously confirmed.
According to new court filings seen by The Sun, the 30-year-old has now pleaded not guilty to a number of charges, including homicide by vehicle in the first degree and hit and run resulting in serious injury or death.
He has also entered a not guilty plea after being accused of giving a false statement on April 30, just a few weeks after the collision.
Morris has been denied bond and a case management hearing has been set for February 23.
Ethan, 28, was hit while walking on Piedmont Road near Lindbergh Drive around 3am on April 3, police said.
He was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries and cops spent months appealing for help from the public.
In a disturbing video clip obtained by The Sun, a dark car is seen speeding away after the crash, leaving a trail of thick white smoke.
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A different pedestrian can be seen running across the road seconds later in the video, provided by an Uber driver, as they try to escape also being struck by the out-of-control vehicle.
The driver wished to remain anonymous but previously told local reporters: "I was really shocked, and I was really scared, I was shaking. I just called 911."
A police spokesperson said at the time: "A witness at the scene supplied video from a dashcam that shows the suspect vehicle, a gray Jeep Grand Cherokee, immediately after striking Mr McCallister.
"The suspect vehicle continued to drive at a high rate of speed and nearly struck another pedestrian."
A celebration of life was held in memory of Ethan on Friday, April 9, and more than $72,000 has been raised so far for his family through .
SHOCKING DASHCAM FOOTAGE
After news of Morris's arrest, Brielle took to her Instagram Stories, writing: "Thank you God for giving a little closure to ethan's family and friends!! fianlly!! (sic)."
The influencer's mom, former Don't Be Tardy star Kim Zolciak, also posted about her relief on social media after the families waited months for a big break in the case.
"Thank you God!! Finally justice for Ethan and his amazing family!!!" she posted. "I'm so grateful for the APD and every single one of you that sent me videos, contact info, pictures etc we truly appreciate it all. We will miss Ethan until we meet again.."
Brielle, 24, previously mourned the loss of Ethan with an emotional tribute after his shock death and said she was "sick to [her] stomach."
EMOTIONAL TRIBUTES
She posted a slideshow of sweet photos of her late friend, writing: "Ethan.... i can’t believe I’m even writing this. I’m sick sick sick to my stomach.
"You are my happiness my joy my light in this very dark world.. the life of the party and the sweetest soul I've been blessed to know.
"You are my best friend. My heart. My everything. There will never be another you. Ever ever ever."
She continued: "You came into this world with 1 mission... make people smile. You were damn good at it too.
"There was never a moment i wasn’t laughing with you!! We haven’t spent a weekend apart all year!!!
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"How am i supposed to go anywhere without you? How am i supposed to laugh, smile, GO TO MIAMI OR DRINK 1942 WITHOUT YOU!?
"God i love you ethan. I really really do. I can’t wait to see you again."
