Illegal Immigrant Charged with Fatal Hit-and-Run in North Carolina

An illegal immigrant released into the U.S. during the previous Biden administration has been charged with the fatal hit-and-run of 62-year-old Christopher Babcock in Pitt County, North Carolina.

This week, the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office arrested 25-year-old Erasto Lopez Gomez, a Mexican national, charging him with felony hit-and-run resulting in death.

According to police, on March 11, Lopez-Gomez hit Babcock while he was riding his motorcycle. After the collision, he fled the scene, leaving Babcock behind, who unfortunately was thrown from the bike.

Babcock, a resident of Winterville, North Carolina, was remembered in his obituary as someone who was always willing to help others. He was known for his infectious laugh and had a heartfelt nature. He adored his family and dogs, and in his spare time, he liked cheering for the Buffalo Bills and indulging in photography, which brought him a lot of happiness.

Christopher is survived by his wife and two stepsons.

“I felt shattered,” Donna Babcock, Christopher’s wife, shared, expressing the deep impact of his loss. “That person took my life too that day.”

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that Lopez-Gomez made his way across the southern border in Arizona on March 1, 2024, and was subsequently arrested by Border Patrol agents.

He was later released into the U.S. due to the administration’s catch-and-release policy.

Lauren Biss from the Department of Homeland Security stated, “There’s no way this criminal immigrant should have been able to come here and cause the death of Christopher Babcock.” She indicated that the previous administration’s open border policies have resulted in tragic incidents like this.

Lopez-Gomez is currently incarcerated at the Pitt County Detention Center, where his bail is set at $2 million. ICE officials urge that illegal immigrants contact law enforcement upon release from custody.