Windsor man sentenced to house arrest in fatal hit-and-run of 7-year-old boy
A Windsor man who hit a child with his vehicle, left the scene, and attempted to cover up his involvement in the incident was sentenced to a 12 month conditional sentence of house arrest in Provincial Court Tuesday morning.
According to an agreed upon statement of facts, Christopher Filiault was driving his vehicle on Nov. 15, 2020 when he struck Kuothhorko (Kuzi) James, a 7-year-old Windsor boy, around 8:45 p.m. James was transported to hospital but died of his injuries.
Filiault left the scene at Jefferson Boulevard at Haig Avenue without stopping to assist and later attempted to have repairs done to his vehicle to hide his involvement in the incident.
Filiault previously pleaded guilty to failing to remain and obstruction of justice earlier in 2022. Twenty-one months after the incident took place, Filiault was sentenced Tuesday by Justice Sharon Murphy, who in her decision said the 12 month conditional sentence sends the appropriate message to the community that this behaviour is not tolerated.
“I am not sentencing him for causing Kuzi’s death, but rather failing to stop and actively avoiding responsibility,” said Justice Murphy in her sentencing reasons.
Justice Murphy said Filiault’s remorse for the incident, his empathy and verbal apology to the family, guilty plea and medical condition are mitigating factors in her decision.
Filiault will be fitted for a GPS monitoring device and will also lose driving privileges for a period of three years.
Justice Murphy also indicated that should Filiault breach any conditions laid out in court, “he stands a good likelihood of serving the remaining balance in custodial facility.”
Kuothhorko James’ parents, family and friends were in court today for the sentencing decision, some actively scoffing at the decision, saying “That’s what the life of a child is worth? Disgusting” as they walked out of the courtroom.
James Riek, Kuothhorko’s father, declined to comment after court adjourned, saying only that “no justice was served… he killed our son and got away with it.”
A vigil is held at the scene where a child was the victim in a fatal hit-and-run crash at Jefferson Boulevard and Haig Avenue in Windsor. Friday, November 20, 2020. (Ricardo Veneza/CTV Windsor).
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.