Cary man pleads guilty to fatal 2013 hit-and-run
WAKE COUNTY (WTVD) -- A Cary man charged in a hit-and-run accident that left one teenager dead and another injured has admitted to his role in the 2013 crime.
Adetoye Adekanmbi pleaded guilty to felony hit-and-run and involuntary manslaughter during a court hearing Friday morning.
The 36-year-old was originally charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, two counts of felony hit and run causing bodily injury or death, and with driving while license revoked. He was later charged with second-degree murder in the death of 18-year-old Natalie Chidlaw.
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On June 15, 2013, Chidlaw and 18-year-old Meghan Clark were walking near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Dixie Trail just before 12:45 a.m. when they were hit.
Police said after the crash, Adekanmbi fled the scene in his dark-colored Volkswagen. However, officers located the car hours later and arrested Adekanmbi.
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At Friday's hearing, the prosecutor said Adekanmbi's blood alcohol content registered a .05, 12 hours after the accident, and estimated his BAC could have been three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.
In court, Adekanmbi briefly apologized to Chidlaw and Clark's families - saying he "is truly sorry."
Clark was also in court still hurting from her injuries that included a shattered pelvis, broken nose, and torn ligaments.
Family members - who were not happy with the plea deal that, with 2-and-a-half years already served, will likely allow Adekanmbi to get out of prison in another year - said they have not forgiven him. Adekanmbi received just over a 3-year prison sentence.
Chidlaw's mother told Adekanmbi he should look at the crime scene photos.
"I did not see her before she was cremated," Jamie Brauer said. "It was highly advised I not. But just a month ago I did see the photos of the scene and that's why I feel that you should see what you did to her. I know Natalie would want me to forgive you, but at this moment, I can't."
However, the judge told the family that the District Attorney's office got the best deal they could considering the limited evidence and that going to trial with the case would have been risky.
