Guilty plea for crash that killed two children in 2008
Posted July 30, 2012 12:28 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS1130) – The man accused of crashing into a broken down van on Highway 1 nearly four years ago, killing two young boys and leaving another paralyzed, has entered a surprise guilty plea.
Ryan Miller’s five-day trial was supposed to begin today but instead the 31-year-old admitted to a single count of driving without due care and attention.
In November 2008, a mini-van with seven people in it stopped in the HOV lane on Highway 1 near the Port Mann Bridge, after smoke began filling the inside of the vehicle.
The van was parked in the lane for several minutes before the collision. Several other drivers called 911 before the accident to inform police of a potentially dangerous situation on the highway.
A BMW driven by Miller struck the mini-van. Court has been told the car was traveling at highway speeds when it hit the stationary vehicle.
Witnesses have told police the force of the impact launched the van off the ground.
A third vehicle then slammed into Miller’s car.
Nine-year-old Andrew Moeller and his six-year-old brother Matthew were killed. Eight-year-old Karl is now in a wheelchair.
The three boys had been sitting on the van’s third-row bench seat.
Two adults were also severely hurt in the crash. The family had been heading to the border to do some shopping in the US.
Miller remained at the scene of the accident. Court heard today how Miller even cradled one of the victims, trying to provide some comfort.
Miller is not facing any jail time. The charge he pleaded guilty to is under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Miller’s lawyer is asking that a fine between $750 and $1000 be levied against his client, while Crown is requesting a $1500 fine and a driving prohibition.
He will be sentenced on Wednesday.
Miller made a brief statement in court, telling the judge ‘not a day goes by’ that he doesn’t think about the sorrow he’s caused the Moeller family, and that he takes full responsibility for his actions.
The Moellers were not in court, nor did they provide a victim impact statement.
Speaking on the family’s behalf, Crown told the judge the pain is still too great for the Moellers. They are thankful for all they have, but are left wondering if Miller fully understands the impact the accident has had on the family.
Miller does have a previous driving record that could influence the judge’s decision at sentencing, including tickets for speeding and not using a seat belt.
