Lexington, Ky. » A jury has convicted a Lexington man of charges related to a traffic accident that killed a former Utah horsewoman in Kentucky.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that a jury found 37-year-old Shannon Houser guilty of attempting to tamper with evidence and leaving the scene of an accident.

Prosecutors argued Houser struck 18-year-old Connie Blount with his truck early on April 13 as she tried to cross a street near the University of Kentucky, where she was a student. Blount moved to Kentucky with her two horses, Sam I Am and Luke, to study equine science and join the university equestrian team. She was a graduate of Park City High School.

Defense attorneys argued that it was dark and rainy the morning of the accident, and Houser didn't know that he had hit anyone.

Police said Houser removed the grill and bumper of his truck, but defense attorneys said he didn't try to alter, hide or destroy it.

Jurors recommended that Houser serve six years. Judge James Ishmael set sentencing for March 6.