Justice for Lee E. Staten: Demand Accountability for Drunk Driving in Mecklenburg County

 

 

On September 9, 2024, our beloved father, husband, grandfather, mentor, and community pillar — Mr. Lee E. Staten — was tragically killed on his way to work by a drunk driver. The devastating words “Your dad was in a fatal accident—the other person was drunk” shattered our world forever.

 

 

We have learned that the prosecuting attorney intends to reduce the charge from Felony Death by Motor Vehicle (Class D felony) to Involuntary Manslaughter and DWI, with a suspended sentence of 16–29 months, only 30 days in jail with 36 months of probation and loss of driving privileges within duration of his probation. The explanation offered was: “30 days is not the longest we could offer, but it is what we are offering.”

The defendant, Edwin Bellorino, has no priors, which has led the prosecutor to offer this plea. This is a true miscarriage of justice to say the least. Please sign this petition to encourage District Attorney Merriweather and prosecutor Ashley Robinson to give Bellorino a sentence that fits the crime. 

This is not justice. This is a betrayal of my father’s memory, my family’s grief, and our community’s safety.

 

Drunk driving is one of the most preventable and deadliest crimes in America. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 37 people die every single day in the United States due to drunk-driving crashes—one person every 39 minutes. To minimize such an offense with a light sentence sends the message that accountability does not matter.

 

Adding to the outrage:

 

The charges were reduced to Manslaughter and DWI, failing to acknowledge Wrongful Death by Motor Vehicle.
The prepared plea deal of 30 days and probation is irrational, unacceptable, and dangerous to our community.
The defendant has shown no remorse for the life he took.
A conflict of interest exists, as probation would fall under Mecklenburg County where my stepmother is Chief of Probation.

 

 

We are demanding that Prosecutor Ashley (Nikki) Robinson pursue the maximum sentencing allowed by law. Anything less dishonors Lee E. Staten’s life, disregards the devastation caused to his family, and puts our community at further risk.

 

We will not remain silent. If this injustice is allowed to stand, it sends a message that drunk driving deaths can be excused, minimized, and brushed aside.

 

By signing this petition, you stand with the Staten family and our community to demand accountability, true justice, and real consequences for drunk driving deaths.

 

✨ Please help us honor my father’s life by demanding justice on his behalf. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure that his death is not minimized, but remembered with dignity and accountability.