Illegal Immigrant Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run in North Carolina
An illegal immigrant has been charged with the death of a 62-year-old man in a hit-and-run incident in North Carolina, as reported by various sources. The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office has stated that 25-year-old Ernesto Lopez Gomez is now in custody under Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Officials from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have confirmed that Lopez is a Mexican national who entered the United States illegally, though the exact date of his entry remains unknown.
Lopez faces a felony charge of hit-and-run resulting in death and is currently being held on a secured bond set at $2 million.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Lauren Biss shared her thoughts with reporters, emphasizing that the suspect “could never have come to our country and killed Christopher Babcock.” She continued, expressing concern about the Biden administration’s “catch-and-release” policy, which she argues allowed this individual to integrate into the community. “Now a widow is grieving the loss of her husband,” Biss stated. She also mentioned that this incident marks the second hit-and-run involving an illegal immigrant within the week—an issue she connects to what she describes as the previous administration’s open borders policy.
According to the authorities, Christopher Babcock was riding his motorcycle in Greenville at around 7:45 p.m. on March 11 when he was struck by a vehicle making a left turn in front of him. This driver was later identified as Lopez-Gomez, who allegedly fled the scene following the collision. Tragically, Babcock succumbed to his injuries afterward.
Authorities reported that the crash occurred on Route 13, specifically near Moye Turnage Road southeast of Farmville.
In Babcock’s obituary, he was remembered for his genuine kindness and sense of humor. Described as someone who was always ready to lend a hand, it stated, “Chris had a sarcastic sense of humor and a warm heart and deeply loved his family and dogs.” He is survived by his wife, two stepchildren, and a sister.
