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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Teen in SUV 'scared straight,' lawyer says
The 21-year-old man -- who isn't being named by the Free Press because his cousin, a young offender, was also involved in the March 2008 incident -- was given a two-year suspended sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to possession of stolen goods.
He is the 11th of 14 accused people to admit to their involvement in the crash that killed Duffy's driver Antonio Lanzellotti and seriously injured his passenger. Crown attorney Liz Pats told court he is also the only accused who got bail and hasn't been rearrested on new charges.
"Every single one of these youth have been re-involved in some manner. It's unbelievable," she said.
Defence lawyer Saheel Zaman said that's because his client has truly learned his lesson. The man, who was 20 at the time, was ejected from the stolen Chevy Avalanche and then run over by a passing vehicle on Portage Avenue. He suffered extensive injuries. "He has been scared straight," said Zaman.
"I'm truly sorry... I honestly feel bad for what happened. I know what it's like to lose a loved one," the young man told provincial court Judge Theodore Lismer. His lawyer noted the man's brother died two years ago.
He plans to live with his family members in Berens River. At the time of the crash, he'd been attending school in Winnipeg and got involved in the incident after being picked up by his cousin, then driven to a downtown apartment block where numerous youths had gathered with three stolen vehicles, court was told.
"His mistake was saying he'd go for a ride with his cousin. He should have asked more questions and gotten out," said Zaman.
The group of teens drew the ire of local residents when they began deliberately smashing the vehicles into each other. They scattered in two of the vehicles when police showed up. Both vehicles then raced down Portage Avenue, ending when the SUV smashed into the unsuspecting Lanzellotti, killing him instantly.
The alleged driver of the SUV, who was 14 at the time, has been charged with manslaughter and remains before the courts. Manitoba justice officials authorized a direct indictment against him this week, meaning he will go directly to trial in Court of Queen's Bench without first having a preliminary hearing.
Two other passengers remain before the courts and are scheduled to be sentenced later this spring.
www.mikeoncrime.com
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 6, 2009 A4
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