Trial underway in Augusta for man accused of killing a pedestrian in 2017

The trial is underway for a driver accused of striking and killing a man in a crosswalk in Augusta.

The State and Defense wrapped up their case Wednesday afternoon in the case of 56-year-old Andrew Bilodeau.

He's charged with manslaughter.

Police say 81-year old Emile Morin was hit while crossing northern avenue in Augusta in November of last year.

He was taken to a hospital where he died.

On the stand Wednesday Bilodeau said he saw something in the road and swerved, instead of stopping.

He claims he thought something had hit his car.

But prosecutors say Bilodeau saw Morin that night and drove farther up the road after the accident.

"Andrew Bilodeau drove his vehicle up Northern Avenue towards that church. At that moment, Andrew Bilodeau saw Emile Morin in that crosswalk and at that moment Andrew Bilodeau continued driving," said Assistant District Attorney, Frayla Tarpinian.

"Andrew is the one who caused this death, and that impacts him, too," explained Defense Attorney, Kevin Sullivan. "This is emotional. It's emotional for everyone, and even if it was Andrew's mistake, we still have which you'll hear recklessness and criminal negligence. It's a high standard here, not just a mistake. A mistake could make him civilly liable but that does not make him criminally liable. But, I submit to you that you consider that perhaps Emile Morin is the one who actually made the mistake, and unfortunately it did cost him his life."

Both attorneys agreed to stipulate that Bilodeau did not have any alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of the accident.

Closing arguments are expected to take place Thursday.