Local

Man pleads guilty in crash that killed mother, toddler

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte teenager will not go to prison for his part in an accident that killed a woman and her nephew in September, 2013.

Uriel Flores pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to two misdemeanors -- racing and hit-and-run -- in connection with the accident on Sharon Road West that killed Shanquise Bush and her 3-year-old nephew Jake Bush.

Flores was sentenced to 75 days in jail but he had already served 120 days after he was arrested and charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter the day after the accident.

Police said Flores and Bush appeared to be racing as they turned from Park Road onto Sharon Road West. Witnesses said they saw the two cars going as fast as 70 mph before Bush lost control of her car and slammed into a power pole.

Police said Flores' truck never touched Bush's car and that he stopped at a nearby apartment complex to call 911 but did not return to the scene.

In court Thursday, Bush's family told a Superior Court judge that the accident has caused them tremendous pain and after the hearing they said they were not happy with the plea deal and declined to be interviewed.

Flores said he still feels badly for the Bush family and he left the courthouse clearly relieved and ready to move on with his life.

"I'm glad it's over -- all of it's over now.  Just start -- this has  been holding me back from going to college and take one step on from here -- one step to a better future," he said.

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