LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – A man accused of carjacking and causing a crash that killed a high school student on March 1, 2021, has changed his plea.

On Monday, Michael Dewitt pleaded guilty to driving a stolen car the wrong way down Dixie Highway and crashing head-on into a vehicle, killing the driver, 17-year-old Madelynn Troutt.

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Dewitt was free on $5,000 bail provided by Bail Project at the time of the crash. As part of a section of the Safer Kentucky Act passed in March 2024, Madelynn’s Law now prevents bail charities from posting bail of $5,000 or more.

The charges to which Dewitt pleads guilty carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. Sentencing will be handed down on January 27 in federal court.

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