SALEM, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts driver who drove away after striking and killing an 11-year-old girl crossing the street with her stepfather has pleaded guilty.
The Eagle-Tribune reports that 23-year-old Steven Toro pleaded guilty in Salem Superior Court on Thursday to leaving the scene of a personal injury accident resulting in death.
He was sentenced to up to three years in prison, with credit for the year he has already spent behind bars.
Prosecutors say Toro, of Lawrence, was driving the vehicle that struck Jaydee Soto Diaz in Methuen last Sept. 7. Toroapologized in court for "all the pain I have caused."His lawyer pointed out that police investigators determined that the accident was "unavoidable" and his client was only charged with leaving the scene.