Executive Summary
- Thomas Riggio, 19, was sentenced to nine years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run.
- Riggio pled guilty to hitting and killing cyclist Michael Milam on St. Claude Avenue.
- Prosecutors presented a jail call transcript alleging Riggio showed no remorse.
- The defense’s request for probation instead of prison time was denied by Judge Kimya Holmes.
NEW ORLEANS — A 19-year-old driver was sentenced to nine years in prison on Tuesday in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court regarding the hit-and-run death of a French Quarter bartender, following a guilty plea to the felony charge.
Thomas Riggio appeared before Judge Kimya Holmes to receive sentencing for one count of hit-and-run driving causing death. According to court filings, the conviction stems from a collision on St. Claude Avenue in which Riggio struck Michael Milam, who was bicycling home from work. Police reports indicate that Riggio fled the scene immediately after the crash. The court granted Riggio credit for time already served since his arrest.
During the sentencing phase, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office presented a transcript of a jail call made by Riggio hours after the fatality. Prosecutors cited the recording as evidence that the defendant displayed “zero concern or remorse” regarding his actions. In the recorded conversation, Riggio reportedly minimized the gravity of the offense and expressed an expectation of a short detention. Defense attorney Roger Jordan argued for leniency, asking Judge Holmes to grant probation instead of prison time, a request the court denied.
Judicial Ramifications
This sentencing highlights the significant weight judicial officers place on a defendant’s demeanor and post-arrest conduct when determining penalties for vehicular homicide cases. While the defense sought probation, the introduction of the jail call likely substantiated the prosecution’s argument against leniency, reinforcing the severity of the hit-and-run statute. It is important to note that while the U.S. justice system presumes all defendants innocent until proven guilty, this specific case concluded following the defendant’s formal admission of guilt.
