COBB COUNTY, Ga. — The man who hit and killed a crossing guard last year in Cobb County learned his fate on Monday.
Lamonte Whitaker wept as he addressed the courtroom on Friday.
“I love everybody,” he said.
Whitaker was sentenced to 15 years, serve five, for hitting and killing 63-year-old Edna Umeh on Veterans Memorial Highway in November 2017.
"I didn't want to hurt nobody. I have never been arrested. This is my first time. I am so sorry," Whitaker said Monday.
BREAKING: Cobb judge sentences Lamonte Whitaker to 15 years, serve 5 for hitting & killing @CobbSchools crossing guard Edna Umeh on Veterans Memorial Highway. Judge ensures Umeh’s family that Whitaker will never drive again. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/YO3KncW3lc
— Chris Jose (@ChrisJoseWSB) August 13, 2018
During the sentencing, the judge told Umeh’s family that Whitaker will never drive again.
Umeh, who was an Uber driver, was off-duty at the time of the crash. He did, however, drop off a passenger just 30 minutes before he killed Umeh.
"I have been praying for forgiveness. I love everybody. I drive taxis and Uber. I love to help people out," Whitaker said.
Whitaker said he wasn't reckless at the time of the crash.
"I did not mean to do that. I was tired. I fell asleep," he said.
Umeh's son told Channel 2 Action News that he's not satisfied with the outcome.
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