The prosecutor’s office is facing criticism for only seeking probation and community service for undocumented teenagers involved in a car accident that killed a woman.
A 15-year-old, driving with other minors, crashed into 24-year-old Caitlin Weaver’s vehicle in Aurora this past July, reportedly reaching speeds of around 90 mph. Sadly, she was taken off life support two days later.
John Weaver, Caitlin’s father, expressed his frustration with the Arapahoe District Attorney’s Office, stating he had aimed for the maximum sentence for the young suspect.
He commented on the district attorney’s office’s previous position, which had indicated there would be “no plea agreement” in this case. However, the new administration later accepted a plea deal that only required two years of probation.
“What changed? If he had used a firearm recklessly and killed someone, it would have been treated very differently,” he remarked. “This doesn’t deter anyone.”
Weaver also voiced his anger regarding the lack of financial compensation, as his daughter’s medical expenses totaled about $1 million. He noted that the uninsured vehicle driven by the teenager was obtained without permission from her mother, leaving them without any accountability.
John shared the tragic moment of the accident, describing how quickly Caitlin’s life was taken away, saying, “She didn’t even see him coming.” He further elaborated that the teenager is seeking asylum, as his mother is against him being sent back to Colombia. These teens, he mentioned, are usually bound by agreements to attend school and are expected to follow the law.
Arapahoe County Assistant Officer Ryan Brackley noted that the new administration didn’t directly influence the plea agreement and that the judge considered the victims’ impact and community safety when supporting the arrangement. He explained that various factors, including “deterrence” and “rehabilitation of offenders,” are all part of this decision-making process.
Weaver concluded that the system is deeply flawed, driving home his pain with, “All of these systems collided in Aurora, and now I have to live without my daughter.”
