LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A mother is demanding to know why the driver accused of killing one son and critically injuring another in an e-scooter crash is facing only a misdemeanor charge instead of a felony.
Last March, Christopher Soto was riding his e-scooter to the dog park with his 14-year-old brother Carlos when they were struck at the intersection of Warm Springs and Torrey Pines. Christopher died in the crash, while Carlos continues to recover from his injuries.
The driver has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. Standard misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine in Nevada.
Crash details emerge from video evidence
Video of the crash shows a black car speeding toward the intersection where several cars were stopped at the light. The car does not stop as the two brothers on e-scooters enter the intersection.
The video does not show whether the light was green, yellow or red, but Carlos said he is sure he and his brother had the right of way.
“It was a green light… the hand that indicated that there was still walking time,” Carlos Velasquez recounted.
Family continues recovery and seeks justice
Carlos continues to recover from his injuries.
“I really struggle with walking up the stairs and doing physical stuff. I mean, one of my lungs is really messed up,” he said.
His mother, Cat Velasquez, learned in November that the driver would be charged with vehicular manslaughter, but only recently discovered the charge is a misdemeanor.
“I just thought, is that really true? Is that even possible? And I just, I still can’t believe it. Obviously, I don’t know what’s going to happen at court,” Cat Velasquez said.
She said she will continue advocating for her deceased son.
“I am his voice. And I will always be his voice,” she said.
Cat Velasquez believes the punishment should be more severe.
“This is not okay. This needs to be full punishment. Full punishment, years and years of jail time,” she said.
The District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to questions about why the driver was not charged with a felony, whose decision it was to charge him with a misdemeanor, and what punishment the state is recommending.
The driver is due in court next week.
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