NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Kesha Bruington said it feels like she’s losing her son all over again after the man accused of his death was released on recognizance.
That means that the man has been released from jail while awaiting court dates.
“Not only were we not notified, but our victim’s advocate, who works for Fairfax County Police, she was unaware,” Bruington said.
Back in March, her son Gregory was changing a flat tire on the side of the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County. That’s when he was hit and killed by an alleged drunk driver.
Carlos Nunez Morales was arrested for the crime and spent about three months in jail before he was released.
Bruington told 10 On Your Side that she’s been told people are usually released on recognizance if they have little to no priors.
But she’s confused, as records show Morales has many prior charges, some of which include DUI and DWI-related offenses.
“I’m scared for the next person who may be killed,” she said. “Because Carlos is back on the street and he’s probably driving.”
Before his death, Gregory spent 11 years in the National Guard.
Kesha said it was always a fear that he would be hurt on deployment.
“But to know that he was killed and taken so tragically here on U.S. soil with no justice, it’s unacceptable,” she said.
She wants justice, so what does that look like for her?
“If we could change the laws, or strengthen the laws, so that this doesn’t happen to another family, another mother, another father, another brother or sister,” she said, “at least the person will know if I do this, I will be in jail. I won’t be able to just kill somebody and walk away free like Carlos is doing right now.”
10 On Your Side reached out the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for more information on Morales’s release, but hasn’t heard back yet.
