NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - The father of the teen accused of running over a man who was mowing his lawn Friday nighthas this to say to the victim's family.
"I'd like to give my respect to the family. I'm sorry it happened like this. My whole family is showing their respect and if there is anything they need we will be there for you all," said Calvin Casey Jr., "I know my daughter has done wrong and there is nothing I can say. We just lost a family member so I understand what you all are going through and I'm very sorry."
According to Newport News Police, Casey's daughter who is a juvenile, drove off in a Ford Expedition she was the passenger in after the driver was pulled over and arrested by police. She drove away and even though police did not chase her, ended up running over a man who was mowing his lawn on Redoak Circle, ultimately killing him.
Police have identified him as Arnold Coates.
Casey says right after the accident, his daughter contacted him.
"I told her baby, you need to do the right thing and she stepped out and turned herself in."
While Casey says he was devastated by the news, he knew it was the right for her to do.
"She showed remorse and if she was really trying to be a criminal like everyone wants to think she wouldn't have turned herself in. She showed remorse and turned herself in."
Now Casey says he hopes the victim's family can realize that his daughter never intended to kill Coates.
"She made a mistake and she has to learn from it," Casey said. "But at the same time I have to ask for you all to show her some sympathy too because everyone makes mistakes."
Police have charged the teenager with felony homicide, hit and run, evading and eluding police and operating a motor vehicle with no driver's license.
The teenager is wanted on a robbery charge in Richmond at an apartment complex. Henrico County Law Enforcement said the teen and another woman allegedly lured a man to the apartment on a dating website. Then law enforcement say the three men robbed him.
