Ariel Acosta Sentenced for Fatal Providence Crash
A judge sentenced a man to five years in prison after a hit-and-run on North Main Street.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Accidents
A judge sentenced 34-year-old Ariel Acosta to five years in prison for a fatal New Year's Eve hit-and-run crash. The incident resulted in the death of 57-year-old Edwin English.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows an investigation that uncovered efforts by the defendant to conceal his vehicle after the collision. The court held Acosta accountable for his duty to stop following the fatal accident.
Acosta received a 15-year sentence with 10 years suspended and will serve five years in prison. The court also revoked his driver's license for a three-year period.
The players
Ariel Acosta
The 34-year-old defendant who pleaded no contest to a hit-and-run resulting in death.
Edwin English
The 57-year-old victim who died one week after being struck by a vehicle.
The details
Ariel Acosta pleaded no contest to failing to stop after a fatal accident on North Main Street. Police investigation revealed that Acosta had sent text messages to family members seeking assistance in hiding the vehicle used in the crash.
Timeline
December 31, 2023: The crash occurred on North Main Street.
January 7, 2024: Edwin English died at the hospital.
January 14, 2024: Police arrested Ariel Acosta.
September 30, 2026: The court sentenced Ariel Acosta.
Legal Context
The sentence aligns with the state's legal framework for handling fatal hit-and-run incidents where drivers flee the scene. Courts in the jurisdiction increasingly prioritize accountability for evasion attempts following fatal vehicular collisions.
The case highlights the importance of reporting accidents immediately to emergency services. Residents are reminded that failing to stop at the scene of a crash carries significant legal penalties under state law.
The takeaway
Drivers are legally obligated to remain at the scene of an accident regardless of the circumstances. Failing to stop not only delays medical aid for victims but also escalates the severity of legal charges for the driver.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in our Accidents section.
