Dolars Aleksanders, 23, has admitted to causing the death of 12-year-old Keaton Slater in a hit-and-run incident that occurred on Radford Road in Coventry on June 14, 2024. Aleksanders pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Warwick Crown Court on Thursday.
Keaton Slater was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a BMW. Aleksanders, originally from Latvia, fled the country after the incident and was extradited to the UK on August 5 of this year following an investigation involving West Midlands Police and Europol.
During the court hearing, Aleksanders entered his guilty plea via a video link from HMP Dovegate. Judge Matthew Walsh acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, stating that a substantial sentence would be imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for November 13 and will be determined by Her Honour Judge Kristina Montgomery KC.
West Midlands Police reported that Aleksanders was driving a black BMW at speeds exceeding 70 mph when he hit Keaton, who was attempting to cross the road. The vehicle was discovered abandoned more than six miles away approximately 20 minutes after the collision.
In a statement read through West Midlands Police, Keaton's parents, Louise and Clint Slater, expressed their relief that justice had been served. "Today, after two long and heartbreaking years, we can finally say that justice has been done for Keaton," they stated. "Nothing will ever bring our beautiful boy back. No sentence, no outcome and no words can ever take away the pain of losing him, but finally having justice means that Keaton's life and the circumstances surrounding his death have been acknowledged."
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Lewis, who led the investigation, commented on the case, noting the "selfish and reckless actions of Aleksanders" that took Keaton's life. He added that Aleksanders fled the scene instead of offering assistance. "Everyone that has heard Keaton's story has been determined to do everything possible to catch the person responsible," Lewis said. "This has been a complex investigation but we've always remained resolute and bonded by the belief that we would ensure Aleksanders was convicted for his appalling actions."
Prosecutors indicated that footage of the incident and victim impact statements will be presented during the sentencing hearing. Aleksanders is expected to apply to attend his sentencing hearing remotely via video link.