Driver sentenced to 10 years in prison for killing 2 men in street racing crash

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A driver who hit and killed two innocent bystanders during a street race will spend the next decade of his life in prison.

Channel 2′s Chris Jose was the only reporter in the courtroom Wednesday afternoon when the judge looked directly at George Cambi and handed down the sentence.

Tangelia Ray, the mother of one of the victims, echoed the judge’s words at the Cobb County Courthouse on Wednesday.

“A car is just like a bullet. It will kill you,” Ray said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Her son, Patrick Duff, and his friend, James Wheeler were both fathers. Cambi killed Wheeler and Duff in April 2019.

“You have to respect a vehicle, just like you have to respect a gun,” Ray said.

Cambi, who was 19 years old at the time, crashed into the victims’ car on Floyd Road. They were making a left turn from Bates Road.

That intersection is right next to the Silver Comet Trail.

Police said Cambi was in a street race with another driver, Xavier Flores.

“I just truly hope he is remorseful, because I haven’t seen it in him,” Ray said.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Daughter, mother killed in separate hit-and-runs within weeks of each other
• Remains found in car that belonged to Georgia student who disappeared 45 years ago
• Clayton County teenager missing after getting in an Uber over the weekend

Jose learned in court Wednesday that Cambi was driving between 77 and 93 miles per hour in an area heavily used by walkers, runners and cyclists.

On Wednesday, Cambi’s attorney made a reference to an autopsy report that revealed Wheeler was driving under the influence of methamphetamine.

Attorney Phil Holloway argued Wheeler drove his car into the path of Cambi’s and contributed to the crash.

The judge disagreed and sentenced Cambi to 15 years. Ten years will be served in prison and five on parole

“My client wanted to make sure he accepted responsibility for his role and that he accepts the judge’s ruling,” Holloway said.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Flores, the other accused street racer, is still going through court proceedings. Jose learned a plea deal is on the table for him. He’s charged with two counts of hit-and-run.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Organized thieves are stealing from stores and reselling goods in online marketplaces

©2021 Cox Media Group