Men Get Suspended Sentences For Running Scooter Rider Off Road, Killing Him

Three teens each pleaded guilty to a felony and misdemeanor in the Rowan County Courthouse on Thursday and, for the first time, they faced family members of the victim.

Alston Vanderford said, "I'm very sorry. I know there's nothing I can do to bring him back, but if I could I would."

In an emotionally charged courtroom, Vanderford apologized to family members of Michael Brown. Vanderford, Eric Taylor and Brandon Lowery admitted to causing the crash on Highway 52 in Rowan County more than two years ago.

The teens said they threw eggs at Brown as he rode his scooter, and ultimately caused him to lose control, leading to his death.

The trio also admitted to leaving the scene of a crash. Lowery echoed his former classmate’s words.

"I'm as sorry as one person can be, and I haven't forgiven myself since it happened," he said.

Pictures of Brown and his two young sons is all his mother, Elizabeth Brown, has left to remember him by. She talked about the apologies after leaving the courtroom.

"No matter what, it's not bringing Michael back, but if it eases their conscience, then just let it go as it goes," she said.

The three men were sentenced to supervised probation and six months under house arrest with electronic monitoring, but any active sentences in jail were suspended.

Elizabeth Brown said they should have spent time behind bars.

"They took his life point blank. Michael died in a horrible way. He was left in the road to die alone, and they didn't care but they knew what happened," she said.

A total of six former classmates were in the Jeep that caused the crash. The trials of the other three are expected in October.