Amanda Turner

Medics try to save the life of Steven Rhone after he was struck by a car.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - A man accused of drinking heavily before a fatal hit-and-run crash near Western Washington University has pleaded not guilty, as have three people accused of helping to conceal evidence.

Damian Scott Mackay, 21, of Bellingham, is charged with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run driving resulting in death. He could face a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted in the death of Steven Anthony Rhone Jr., 19, of Kenmore, on June 2.

Mackay entered his plea Friday in Whatcom County Superior Court. His girlfriend, Amanda Ann Littrell, 20; his uncle, Chad Everett Abbott, 30; and a friend, Amber E. Cooper, all of Bellingham, pleaded not guilty to rendering criminal assistance. They are accused of helping to conceal damage to Mackay's 1998 Mazda 626.

Littrell also pleaded not guilty to an unrelated forgery charge.

All four are scheduled for trial Aug. 13.