Teen pleads not guilty to negligent homicide

NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH) -- A teen who allegedly used her cell phone while driving and then hit and killed another person faced a judge for the first time on Friday.

A now 17-year-old Brianna McEwan showed up for her arraignment with her parents and older sister. She's charged with running over and killing 44-year-old Kenneth Dorsey of Norwalk with her car.

Police say Dorsey was running along New Canaan Avenue back in March when McEwan's car swerved and hit him. He died hours later at Norwalk Hospital.

Police say McEwan, who just finished her Junior year at New Canaan High School, was using the internet on her cell phone when her car hit Dorsey.

At the time of the accident, McEwan was 16 years old and had only had her driver's license for about 3 months.

McEwan's attorney asked the judge not to allow cameras in the courtroom because he says his client is so young and the "tragic situation" surrounding the case. The judge sustained his objection so therefore no cameras were allowed to capture the arraignment.

McEwan is charged with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle, use of a handheld phone under age 18 and failure to drive in the proper lane. She entered a not guilty plea for each charge. She will be back in court on August 16.