Dawit Kelete Pleads Guilty in Fatal Black Lives Matter Protest Incident; Sentencing Set for September 8.
Dawit Kelete, responsible for a fatal incident during a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, reckless vehicular assault, and reckless driving charges, resulting in the death of Summer Taylor and severe injuries to Diaz Love.
Dawit Kelete pleads guilty to vehicular homicide and reckless assault charges for a fatal incident during a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle, admitting to striking two demonstrators while driving on a closed section of Interstate 5. (PHOTO: CTV News)
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Guilty Plea in Tragic BLM Protest Incident: Dawit Kelete Faces Sentencing for Vehicular Homicide and Reckless Assault Charges.
Dawit Kelete, the individual responsible for a fatal incident during a Black Lives Matter protest in Seattle three years ago, has agreed to a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, reckless vehicular assault, and reckless driving charges related to the July 4, 2020, protest. Dawit Kelete acknowledged driving on a closed section of Interstate 5, going the wrong way on an exit ramp, and striking two demonstrators at high speeds, resulting in the death of Summer Taylor and severe injuries to Diaz Love. No signs of intoxication were found in Dawit Kelete during field sobriety tests.
As reported in CNN, prosecutors are recommending a prison sentence of six years and six months, followed by 18 months of “community custody” as part of the terms of the plea agreement. Dawit Kelete’s motive for his actions remains undisclosed. The sentencing for Kelete is set for September 8.
Family’s Bittersweet Relief as Dawit Kelete Accepts Guilt: Attorney Highlights Authorities’ Alleged Role in Tragic Incident
The victim’s family expressed a mixture of relief and ongoing grief. While they appreciate Dawit Kelete’s guilty plea to spare them a criminal trial, they continue to suffer the pain of losing Summer Taylor, who would have turned 28 recently. The family requests prayers for all humanity during this trying time.
Dawit Kelete’s defense attorney, Francisco A. Duarte, acknowledged his client’s accountability for the tragedy but also pointed out alleged failures of local and state authorities to protect and serve the community and protesters. Duarte emphasized the importance of acknowledging their role in the incident. This was reported in Albany Herald.
Security footage from an REI store played a crucial role in the case, showing Dawit Kelete driving his white Jaguar XJL the wrong way up the exit ramp around 1:30 a.m., making a deliberate U-turn to drive southbound on I-5. The incident has attracted significant public interest, and media outlet CNN has sought a response from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s office.
