WIXOM, Mich. (WXYZ) — A grieving mother whose son was killed in a hit-and-run crash made an emotional plea during sentencing in the case on Thursday.
“He said I love you so much momma," said Pattie Warner-Lee, mother of Justin Lee. "We just hugged and that’s the last memory I have of my son until I got that phone call.”
Overcome with sadness, Warner-Lee spoke out about what her son, 14-year-old Justin, meant to her and so many others. Among those listening closely was 21-year-old Miguel Ibarra-Cerda who appeared Thursday to be sentenced and also broke down.
Warner-Lee did not hold back when it came to calling out Ibarra-Cerda for breaking a variety of laws and speeding at more than twice the legal limit on Monday, June 11 on Potter Road in Wixom.
Justin was riding his bike and was killed instantly when he was struck.
"Miguel’s not even a citizen," Warren-Lee said. "He was not supposed to be here. He broke a lot of laws on that day. No license.”
Ibarra-Cerda pled guilty after being captured later in Lansing. By leaving the scene, Warren-Lee says he added to the stress placed on the family.
“He was so tall," she said. "He could put his chin on my head and said look how big I’m getting momma. Just the smile from my son could make someone’s day turn around.”
Ibarra-Cerda was charged with reckless driving causing death and failure to stop at a scene of an accident. In court, Ibarra-Cerda was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison.
“He is a young man," Warren-Lee said. "One life is already destroyed and lost. I was hopeful today and he seemed remorseful and apologized to our family.”
