NEW RICHMOND, Ohio — Authorities have arrested a roommate in connection with the hit-and-run death of a 19-year-old man in Clermont County.
Joshua C. Lavoy, 19, of New Richmond was charged Tuesday morning with tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony. The charge stems from the March 8 death of Jayden Nelson, who was struck by a vehicle around 4 a.m. near Bethel-New Richmond Road in Ohio Township, east of its intersection with U.S. Route 52. Nelson was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a complaint and affidavit filed by Ohio State Highway Patrol, “On March 8, 2026, During the course of a death investigation at 1070 Bethel New Richmond, OH in Clermont County, the defendant did knowingly discard evidence and withheld pertinent evidence related to the criminal investigation. During the course of the interview with Mr. Lavoy he made several false statements related to speaking to other subjects involved with the investigation and to discarding evidence.”
The documents note the investigation occurred at the shared address of Lavoy and the victim, 1070 Bethel New Richmond Road, Apt. 16., meaning the two were roommates.
Lavoy appeared in Clermont County Municipal Court on Tuesday. Bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety, with conditions including no use of drugs, alcohol or marijuana; submission to toxicology screening; electronic monitoring via SCRAM and GPS at his expense; compliance with any protection orders; and no contact with specified individuals or locations tied to the case.
Authorities continue to seek information on the incident. Anyone with details should contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Batavia Post at 513-732-1510.
