A 15-year-old undocumented immigrant who fatally struck a Colorado drug rehab worker has received a relatively light sentence from a Democratic prosecutor supported by key party figures.
The teen, identified as a Colombian national, was given two years of probation and 100 hours of community service for the death of Caitlyn Weaver in July 2024.
Arapahoe County District Attorney Amy Padden offered a plea deal, requiring the teen to admit guilt in the crash, attend school, and refrain from future legal trouble, as reported by CBS News Colorado.
In this tragic incident, the teenager was speeding in his mother’s Jeep Cherokee, driving over 90 miles per hour in a 45 mph zone, when he collided with a Volkswagen driven by Weaver in Aurora, Colorado.
Weaver, 24, was “immediately and effectively killed,” her father John Weaver stated.
At the time of the accident, Weaver had been talking on the phone with her boyfriend, coming to a stop at a stop sign before crossing the intersection. The crash was sudden and devastating; her father remarked, “She didn’t even see him coming, that’s how fast he was going.”
The impact shattered the driver’s side of her vehicle.
Weaver was rushed to the hospital, where she unfortunately succumbed two days later, and her parents made the decision to donate her organs.
The teen, who was unlicensed and had other minors in the car during the accident, faced initial charges of vehicular homicide.
Due to Colorado law, minors cannot be publicly identified in criminal cases. His mother told investigators that they intended to return him to Colombia, but he later applied for asylum in the U.S.
The case was managed through juvenile courts, and the Weaver family had hoped for a full trial until Padden’s administration came into play, replacing the previous district attorney.
The DA’s office had indicated that this would not be a plea agreement situation, raising questions about why the approach had changed. John Weaver questioned the lack of consequences, comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where a firearm was involved.
Kaitlyn Weaver studied psychology and volunteered at a suicide hotline before working in a drug rehabilitation center. Her father highlighted her dedication to making a positive impact on others’ lives.
He also expressed frustration over policies that seemingly allowed this tragic situation to occur. “The immigration and criminal justice systems all collided that day in Aurora, and now I’m left without my daughter,” he said, visibly emotional.
Padden defended her decision amid backlash, responding to comments that emphasized the dangers of speeding and the complexities of teenage immigration.
“Caitlin Weaver’s death stemmed from a crash caused by a teen driving at nearly twice the speed limit. This serves as a stark reminder that reckless driving can have fatal consequences,” stated Padden.
She acknowledged that, while the case was conducted in juvenile courts, the severity of the crime should not be diminished.
Padden has a history of sharing her support for political allies like Stacey Abrams and Kamala Harris, and has received backing from notable figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
She concluded by expressing her condolences for Caitlin’s family, stating, “The outcomes can never truly compensate for the profound loss, but we are committed to supporting them through this process.”
