[KHTS] – A cab driver accused of killing a Valencia man in a hit-and-run crash New Year’s Day waived his preliminary hearing Monday, officials said.

Ronald Lloyd Aviles, 57, of San Clemente, allegedly drove a vehicle that fatally struck Travis Marton, 23, of Valencia, and then left the scene, according to a criminal complaint.

Monday’s move means Aviles is not contesting the charges before his trial, which is expected to be scheduled June 1, when both sides are due back in court.

The move eliminates the hearing in which a judge weighs the evidence, and decides if there is enough to merit a trial. The move negates the possibility of the prosecution adding charges, should the pretrial evidence indicate that’s warranted.

The move could also be in anticipation of a plea deal for the defendant, although prosecutors said no deal has been discussed in open court, nor would they comment on the defense’s request.

Marton was crossing East Coast Highway westbound at the intersection of Newport Coast Drive in Newport Beach on Jan. 1 when he was struck, according to Orange County prosecutors. The Newport Beach Police Department, who investigated this case, found Marton’s body lying in the intersection.

The Laguna Beach Police Department located Aviles driving in his taxi van in Laguna Beach, approximately 5 miles from where the victim’s body was found, and arrested the defendant.

At the time of the arrest, Aviles is accused of driving the taxi with damage consistent with the collision, including a smashed windshield, dents on the hood, dented bumper, and a missing driver’s-side mirror. Aviles is accused of causing the crash that scattered debris at the collision site consistent with the damaged and missing vehicle parts.

Aviles was held to answer the charges Feb. 2, when he pleaded not guilty at his preliminary hearing.

Deputy District Attorney Stephen Cornwell of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Aviles has been free in lieu of $50,000 bail.