Parents of Manchester 4-year-old killed in crash plead not guilty to risk charges

The parents of Akari Cortes, a 4-year-old girl killed after being struck by a car in Manchester, pleaded not guilty to a risk of injury charge in court records. Police said the crash occurred at 4:30 a.m. on June 10 in the 300 block of East Center Street, where Akari was outside alone. Her parents, Nathael Cortes, 28, and Taylor Biron, 26, were arrested in late August. The driver, Tarequl Ambia, 49, was charged with misconduct with a motor vehicle, reckless driving, and using a handheld phone while driving. Prosecutors said Ambia was using his phone and speeding. The state medical examiner said Akari died from blunt force trauma and ruled her death an accident; marijuana was found in her blood. Court records show bonds of $25,000 each and future court dates in October.