The person who crashed right into a police cruiser, killing a Hartford, Connecticut, police detective, pleaded responsible to manslaughter and different expenses on Tuesday.
Richard Barrington, 20, was fleeing different law enforcement officials throughout a site visitors cease when he struck a cruiser that was responding to a special name on the night time of Sept. 6, 2023.
The crash killed Detective Robert “Bobby” Garten and injured his accomplice, Officer Brian Kearney.
Barrington mentioned he took off as a result of he was scared as a result of his automobile was not registered and he had marijuana within the automobile. He additionally advised investigators he smoked marijuana about an hour earlier than the crash.
Barrington pleaded responsible to manslaughter, first-degree assault and interfering with an officer.
“We know that we’re not going to get what we really want back, which is Bobby,” Bobby’s Garten’s brother, Will Garten, mentioned in an interview.
In accordance with Det. Garten’s household, the state’s legal professional is recommending a 20-year-sentence, however they mentioned they do not agree with that call.
“That’s not justice. That’s not even close. Bobby wasn’t just a cop. He was a son. A brother. An uncle. A partner. A friend. He showed up for everyone — on duty and off. He lived with heart, and he served with honor,” the household mentioned in a press release. “The system should’ve stood up for him. Instead, it feels like we got hit all over again — this time by the courtroom that was supposed to protect him.”
“I believe 20 years is devastating to our household. Some folks will say it is sufficient. It isn’t sufficient. We do not assume it is sufficient. We need to proceed to combat for Bobby and Brian,” Will Garten mentioned.
An legal professional for Barrington confirmed the responsible plea, however declined to remark.
Barrington is scheduled to be sentenced in June.
“It was an extended course of … a 12 months and virtually a 12 months and a half now. And he he lastly admitted what we type of already knew, as a result of there’s a lot proof,” Will Garten mentioned.
