Surprise Guilty Plea Of Manslaughter In Double-Fatal Dirt Bike Case
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - After just more than a year, the driver of a minivan that ran over and killed two young men riding a dirt bike on Long Island, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges, and the victims' families are saying justice has not been done.
Christopher Bouchard of Mastic Beach admitted to two counts of second-degree manslaughter in the deaths of 19-year-old Keenan King and 20-year-old Anthony Holmes-Garriques.
In return for the plea, Bouchard will serve three and a half to 10 and a half years in state prison.
"We miss him so much," said Tina King, Keenan's mother.
"It's murder, it's murder. I've been saying from the start it's murder," said Lina Garriques, Anthony's mother. "He ain't got no heart. A bike can be replaced. My son can't be replaced. I can't never get him back."
"Suffolk County is a joke, it really is a joke," said Yvette Benitez, aunt to one of the victims. "They give drug dealers more time than that. He killed two freaking kids, two kids that meant something to people."
The tragedy began the morning of June 22, 2017 after Bouchard reported his brother's dirt bike had been stolen from a garage in Suffolk County. Later that morning, authorities say Bouchard learned two men in North Bellport, N.Y., were seen riding a bike similar to the one taken.
Bouchard and his brother drove a 2002 Honda Odyssey minivan to the area and spotted King and Homes-Garriques riding a bike, leading to a chase. Around 10:15 a.m., Bouchard's minivan caught up and struck the bike's read tire, throwing off both riders.
Bouchard had previously pleaded not guilty to reckless endangerment charges, but the victims' family believes he should be charged with murder.
The families said the reluctantly supported the plea deal because the alternative -- a painful trial and looming possibility of a not guilty verdict -- were too much to bear.
"Because we could end up losing. It could take one juror, and we could lose. At least we know he's getting a little time," said Tina King.
"I agreed to it because I don't want him to walk... I want him to suffer, like I got to suffer every day," said Lina Garriques.
Prosecutors told the families it was tough to prove intent. The court was filled with their supporters.
"This is just another example of racist justice,"one woman said.
"The community is outraged. It's not just black people, white people were enraged and embarrassed," a man added.
Bouchard waived his right to appeal and remains remanded until sentencing in October.
The judge said families were spared a long trial with no guarantee of success, avoiding years of appellate proceedings.