Man charged with hit-and-run that killed Australian

NORWALK – A Norwalk man was charged Tuesday in the hit-and-run death of an Australian man in Hollywood earlier this year.

Kristopher Ryan Smith, 20, was charged with one felony count of hit-and-run driving resulting in death or serious injury, and one misdemeanor count of vehicular manslaughter.

In the early morning of April 18, Smith allegedly hit 56-year-old Andrew Mallard with his vehicle as the victim was walking across Sunset Boulevard at Formosa Avenue. Smith didn’t stop and instead fled the scene.

Mallard died as a result of the collision.

Smith faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison if convicted. Bail was recommended at $50,000.

Mallard made headlines in Australia after he was convicted of murder in 1995 and sentenced to life in prison.

The conviction was overturned 12 years later, however, after new forensics evidence exonerated him.