Monday marks the beginning of a week-long sentencing hearing for Richard Suter, the man who was behind the wheel of a vehicle that drove onto a patio and killed a toddler.
The 65-year-old was parked in front of Ric’s Grill in southwest Edmonton in May of 2013 when he accelerated and crashed the vehicle into the restaurant, taking the life of two-year-old Geo Mounsef.
According to the agreement statement of facts, “Geo Mounsef died as a result of blunt force trauma injuries caused by Richard Suter in his Acura SUV.”
In June, Suter pleaded guilty to refusing to provide a breath sample when there is death.
On day one of the sentencing hearing, a surveillance video taken from the Taco Bell across the parking lot was played in the courtroom. It shows Suter’s vehicle accelerating through the parking stall and then reversing several feet.
Geo’s mother was in the courtroom and began sobbing when the video was played. She previously testified that Suter appeared heavily intoxicated following the crash.
On Tuesday, victim impacts statements from the boy’s family members will be heard in court. Suter is also expected to take the stand.
With files from David Ewasuk
