COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) -
On Friday morning, one of three teens charged in connection to the accident that left a teen dead pled not guilty, in recorder's court, to tampering with evidence, after a car wreck that left another teen dead.
Daniel Hughes Messengale, 17, and Austin Lott, 18 were both arrested and charged with tampering with evidence Thursday in connection with the accident last week that claimed the life of 16-year old Hannah Gilmer.
Authorities say Clayton Qualls, 17, was under the influence of alcohol when the accident happened on County Line Road in Columbus. He lost control of the car he was driving and flipped several times. Gilmer was thrown from the car. He has been charged with vehicular homicide.
In testimony Friday in recorders court, investigators said Lott told them he and Messengale were driving ahead, in two white pick-up trucks when Lott saw the car flip in his rear view mirror. We also learned in court - when the two went back to the scene, Qualls asked them to get rid of a green cooler full of beer. Authorities say Lott and Messengle threw the cooler and other beverages over a fence into a neighbor's yard, then fled the scene.
Lott originally pleaded guilty but changed that plea moments later after his father said he mistakenly told police he would plead guilty and had not had adequate council with an attorney.
Lott broke down into tears during the Friday hearing. His bond has been set at $10,000 and the case was bound over to Muscogee County Superior Court.
Messengale who has already been released on bond did not appear in court Friday.
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Austin Lott (Source: Columbus Police Department)
Daniel Hughes Messengale (Source: Columbus Police Department)
Clayton Qualls, (Source: Columbus Police Department)
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