The driver accused of hitting and killing a 12-year-old girl in Encinitas in April was officially charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.

Eddie Sengendo did not appear in court for the arraignment, but his attorneys pleaded not guilty on his behalf. Emery Chalekian's family and many of their friends were in court, and the judge acknowledged the family and their presence.

"It's important for us to be here today," said Melissa Scharbarth, co-founder of Safe Street Encinitas. "Emery was one of my fourth grade students. She was an absolute delight to have in class. One of those kids that I knew I would have a relationship with forever, and it just absolutely crushed me."

According to investigators, Emery was crossing Encinitas Boulevard on her way back to a dance studio on April

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