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Man Deported 6 Years Ago Pleads Guilty In ODU Student’s Fatal Crash

Man Deported 6 Years Ago Pleads Guilty in ODU Student’s Fatal Crash

ODU Student’s Fatal Crash: In a tragic case that has rocked the Old Dominion University (ODU) community, Elvis Jamir Cruz-Ferrera, a 19-year-old Honduran national, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal crash that claimed the life of 19-year-old ODU student Lauryn Ni’Kole Leonard.

The accident, which occurred on February 19, left the university and Leonard’s family devastated. Cruz-Ferrera, who had been ordered deported from the U.S. six years ago but never left, now faces up to 10 years in prison.

On that fateful evening, Leonard, a sophomore at ODU, was on her way to her off-campus apartment in Norfolk when the crash occurred. Cruz-Ferrera, who had remained in the U.S. unlawfully after his deportation order, was behind the wheel at the time of the collision. This case has highlighted the severe consequences of illegal residency and reckless driving, which led to the loss of a bright, young student’s life.

The sentencing for Cruz-Ferrera is scheduled for January 13 in the Chesapeake Circuit Court before retired Judge Timothy S. Wright. The maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter in Virginia is 10 years, though it remains to be seen how long Cruz-Ferrera will serve. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration detainer on him, ensuring that after he completes his state sentence, he will be taken into federal custody to face deportation once again.

This is not the first time Cruz-Ferrera has faced deportation. According to James Covington, a spokesperson for ICE’s northeast region, Cruz-Ferrera was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents near the Mexican border in McAllen, Texas, in 2016, when he was just 11 years old. He was ordered to leave the country, but his removal never occurred, allowing him to remain in the U.S. unlawfully until this tragic incident.

Lauryn Ni’Kole Leonard’s family, already burdened with grief following the death of her father, Larry Leonard, in 2022, now faces the unimaginable loss of their daughter. Leonard had a promising future, and her death has left an emotional scar on her family, friends, and the ODU community. They now seek justice for her untimely death.

Compensation and Legal Support for Victims’ Families

In cases like Lauryn Leonard’s, the victims’ families may be entitled to compensation for the loss of a loved one. Such compensation can include damages for funeral expenses, loss of future income, and the emotional trauma suffered by the family. While no amount of money can replace a life, these compensatory damages help families cope with the financial strain and offer some measure of justice for the pain they endure.

At Breit Law Attorneys, we understand the gravity of such situations and the profound impact they have on families. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping victims’ families navigate the legal process with compassion and professionalism.

We focus on securing the maximum compensation possible to help families recover financially after such tragic incidents. From dealing with insurance companies to filing lawsuits against responsible parties, our attorneys handle every aspect of the case, allowing families to focus on healing.

If you or your loved ones are affected by a car accident or wrongful death, Breit Law Attorneys can provide the legal support and guidance you need during these difficult times. We work diligently to ensure that justice is served and that families receive the financial compensation they deserve. Let our experienced team stand by your side and help you through this challenging process.

The tragic loss of Lauryn Leonard serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. While Cruz-Ferrera faces legal repercussions for his actions, we have to ensure that families like Lauryn’s receive the justice and compensation they are entitled to under the law.

It’s important to have experienced wrongful death lawyers on your side when losing a loved one in a car accident. Call us at 757-330-4108 for a free and confidential case evaluation. You can reach us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text, and online chat.

Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Breit Law Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident

Source: The Virginian Pilot

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