Yepez Diaz

The Marshalltown man accused of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident on Nov. 1 is being held in the Marshall County Jail on a $50,000 bond as of Tuesday morning, and his initial court hearing is set for Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m.

A criminal complaint alleges that Edgar Yepez Diaz, 36, “operated a motor vehicle recklessly and, while doing so, caused death” of the victim, 30-year-old Melanie Nelson, at the intersection of Main Street and 3rd Avenue.

“Defendant was operating a motor vehicle at excessive speeds showing disregard for the safety of persons and traffic. Defendant was seen on security footage prior to incident operating vehicle at excessive speed and after the incident. Witnesses were able to corroborate (the) defendant’s reckless driving. Defendant admitted to driving vehicle and striking an object. Defendant struck pedestrian and fled the scene. Victim was later pronounced deceased due to injuries,” the report reads.

Yepez Diaz is also facing one count of child endangerment in connection with the incident.