Nebraska man pleaded not guilty in death of Mason City woman

(ABC 6 News) – A Nebraska man charged with hitting and killing a woman with his vehicle in Mason City has pleaded not guilty.

35-year-old Christopher G.S. Rathfon, 35 of Omaha, NE, is charged with homicide by vehicle.

Mason City police said on June 8, Rathfon hit 62-year-old Dawn Merrick, with his pickup truck while she was walking out of Mills Fleet Farm.

Merrick remained in critical condition at the hospital until June 10, when she died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

According to court documents, Rathfon consented to a breath test that indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.255.

Rathfon was initially charged with operating while intoxicated, reckless driving, and serious injury by vehicle.

A jury trial is scheduled to begin on September 21 in Cerro Gordo County District Court.