Daetwan Robinson sentenced to 20 years in prison for hit-and-run that killed 2 young sisters
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee County judge delivered a message to reckless drivers Friday as she handed down a 20-year prison sentence to Daetwan Robinson.
Robinson pleaded guilty to hitting three children, killing two of them, before driving off in October 2019.
The hearing was very emotional.
An outburst at the start delayed it, and the judge had to pause it again when the family of the victims saw video of the crash for the first time.
"The children go flying up in the air, like they're practically weightless," said Judge Janet Protasiewicz, describing the video after barring the media from recording it.
Robinson pleaded guilty to three hit-and-run charges. It was revealed Friday he drove around a car stopped at 22nd and Center waiting at a green light, letting three children cross against traffic. Robinson's attorney conceded he was driving faster than the 25 mph speed limit when he hit all three children, killing two girls, a 4-year-old and 6-year-old.
"Mr. Robinson turned in a tight circle and fled up 21st street," said Prosecutor Joy Hammond.
The children's mom, Destiny Foster, said her life has changed forever.
"I just wanted to say they babies, they babies, they didn't do no harm," said Foster.
Robinson apologized over and over to the judge and the Foster family.
"It was all my fault, and it was dumb," said Daetwan Robinson.
His attorney argued he had the right of way and shouldn't serve a long prison sentence. But the judge sentenced him to 20 years, saying the community is fed up with reckless driving.
"That 4-year-old and that 6-year-old should be alive today. Number one, you shouldn't have been behind that motor vehicle's wheel," said Protasiewicz.
Robinson was also ordered to pay nearly $11,000 for the funeral costs for the two girls.