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Teen pleads guilty to driving stolen SUV in fatal crash

A 16-year-old Winnipeg boy has pleaded guilty to driving a speeding, stolen SUV that crashed and killed a city cab driver.

The teen – who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act – admitted Monday morning to charges of criminal negligence causing death and bodily harm. Justice officials stayed a charge of manslaughter.

Antonio Lanzellotti died of massive injuries suffered in the March 2008 incident on Portage Avenue and Maryland Street which shocked and angered Winnipeggers.

The teen was driving the Chevy Avalanche which contained six other young offenders. He was racing a stolen Silverado which also had seven occupants. He has been in custody since his arrest.

The youth is expected to be sentenced later this winter.

Crown attorney Brent Davidson said Monday criminal negligence causing death is essentially the same charge as manslaughter and carries the exact same sentencing provisions. He said there was no "plea bargain" with the youth in place.

Davidson said he will be seeking an adult sentence against the teen. The maximum penalty as a youth is two years custody. The maximum for an adult is life in prison.

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