DeCoito's Case Closes After Three Years

 

Bernard DeCoito heads to prison for a fatal crash in Mililani.

[ Watch ]

 

A 24-year-old Mililani man pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with a 2007 car race that ended with the death of his girlfriend.

Bernard DeCoito Jr., the driver of a second car, witnessed the crash that killed 17-year-old Gillian Badua, and slowed down to take a look at the mangled wreckage but then drove off.

He pleaded guilty in state court to leaving the scene of a fatal traffic accident and second-degree assault.

DeCoito accepted a five-year probation sentence as part of his plea agreement and agreed to go to prison for 18 months. But he will get credit for the one year and five months he has already been in custody.

He will also lose his driver's license.

DeCoito was racing a car driven by 24-year-old Justin Amorin on Feb. 23, 2007, when Amorin crashed into a tree on Lanikuhana Avenue in Mililani. Badua was killed, and another passenger, 19-year-old Gavin Watson, was permanently injured.

Last October a state jury found Amorin guilty of second-degree negligent homicide and second-degree assault. A state judge sentenced him last month to two consecutive five-year prison terms.

Witnesses said two cars were racing on Lanikuhana Avenue at up to 100 mph before the crash. The speed limit for the roadway is 25 mph.