Athens-Clarke Co PD continues probe into deadly hit-and-run

Athens-Clarke County Police are investigating a deadly vehicle vs pedestrian accident: it happened Tuesday on West Broad Street in front of Beech Haven Baptist Church. The victim was a 34 year-old man. Michael Kitchen was from Morgan County. Benhur Tesfai was arrested shortly after the accident and is charged with vehicular homicide and hit and run. Tesfai is 21 years old, from Lilburn.

From the ACCPD…

On April 30 , 2024, at approximately 3:40 AM, an Athens-Clarke County Police Officer was on West Broad Street near Beech Haven Church when the officer heard a vehicle crash. The officer went to the scene and found an unresponsive pedestrian in the roadway. The involved vehicle had fled the scene.

The pedestrian, Michael Kitchen, 34, of Madison, GA, was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. After an investigation, the driver was located and arrested.

Benhur Tesfai, 21, of Lilburn, GA, was charged with DUI, Vehicular Homicide 1st degree, and Hit & Run.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact SPO Lewis at 762-400-7169 or Joey.Lewis@accgov.com .