Man pleads guilty in traffic deaths

Wednesday, April 6, 2005 | 8:53 a.m.

A 24-year-old man who was fleeing from police in a stolen car until he failed to stop at a red light and collided with another car, killing a mother and daughter,, avoided going to trial Tuesday thanks to a plea bargain struck with prosecutors.

Vernon Morrison pleaded guilty to two counts of driving under the influence causing death and one count of failure to stop required on signal of police officer for the deaths of 42-year-old Marisa Djaya and her daughter, 14-year-old Putri Marsitaningrum on Nov. 2.

Deputy District Attorney Christopher Lee said under the negotiation the prosecution retains the right to argue at sentencing.

Lee said if District Judge Jessie Walsh decides to issue the maximum sentence per count and runs them consecutive at Morrison's May 27 sentencing Morrison faces the possibility of six to 55 years in prison.

Lee said he discussed the plea agreement with the victims' relatives and they supported offering it to Morrison. He said he expects family members to speak at Morrison's sentencing.

Morrison was originally charged with two counts each of involuntary manslaughter, reckless driving, driving under the influence causing death or substantial bodily harm and one count each of grand larceny auto, possession of a stolen vehicle, stop required on signal of police officer and assault with a deadly weapon.

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