Key Biscayne Man Pleads Guilty In Deadly Hit & Run
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A Key Biscayne man accepted his guilt and expressed his apology to the family of the man he left for dead on the side of the road three years ago.
In January, 2010, Carlos Bertonatti, 32, was drunk behind the wheel of his silver Volkswagen when he struck cyclist Christophe Le Canne, 44. Le Canne's bicycle remained wedged under his bumper as he led police on a short chase before they were able to pull him over.
Bertonatti's blood alcohol test came back at .122.
It was an emotional day in court for both families Tuesday morning as Bertonatti faced the Le Canne's family members for the first time. Le Canne's family flew in from France for the hearing.
First, Le Canne's father Paul Le Canne addressed the court.
"I miss my son each day," Paul Le Canne said.
His brother, Nicolas Le Canne, followed by saying that his brother deserved better than to have been left to die "like a dog."
Then, with his head lowered Bertonatti addressed Le Canne's family members.
"I never meant to leave him on the side of the road," Bertonatti said. "I can't fix it. The purpose of my life has changed because of the actions I took. I will always feel responsible and I beg for your forgiveness."
Based on sentencing guidelines, Bertonatti could face between 11.5 years to 37 years behind bars. Bertonatti pled guilty to DUI Manslaughter failure to render aid, two counts of resisting an officer without violence and one count of fleeing and eluding a police officer.
Bertonatti's sentencing date was set for May 2nd before Judge Bronwyn Miller.
