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Hit & run driver who killed Independence bicyclist pleads guilty

Submitted by Brent Hugh on Mon, 12/08/2008 - 12:48am
According to the Kansas City Star, the drunk driver whose flight from the police ended up killing 17-year-old Independence bicyclistsChristopher Cooper, has pleaded guilty:
Pujols pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder, one count of resisting arrest and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident. A count of driving while intoxicated was dismissed.

Pujols is facing a 20-year-maximum sentence on each count. He is to be sentenced by Jackson County Circuit Court Judge Jack Grate in April.

Witnesses said Pujols was speeding, going 90 mph or faster, when the car struck Cooper.
Details about the original incident, which happened in November 2007, are on the KMBC web site.

A year later, Cooper's family held a memorial walk.

Cooper's family has joined the effort to curb police pursuits, which result in injuries and deaths of thousands of innocent bystanders each year.
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