Three-year-old Quintus Chen, a Chinese boy, was killed two years ago in a hit-and-run incident in Flushing, New York, by a learner’s permit driver who was unaccompanied. On October 31, the jury at the Queens Criminal Court ruled that the defendant Kevin Gomez was not guilty of the felony charges but was found guilty of lesser charges and traffic violations. Quintus’s parents were devastated by the jury’s decision, feeling that it was grossly unfair.
The jury found Gomez not guilty of the felony charges, including second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, leaving the scene of an accident, and vehicular manslaughter. Instead, he was convicted of misdemeanors, including reckless endangerment, reckless driving, as well as several traffic violations such as driving without valid insurance, illegal tinted windows, driving an unregistered vehicle, making an illegal turn, parking in a no-parking zone, and two counts of driving without a license.
Upon hearing the jury’s verdict, Quintus’s parents were once again overcome with emotions. Mrs. Chen, in an interview, expressed her disbelief and outrage at the jury’s decision, deeming it unjust. She stated, “This is a miscarriage of justice. We cannot accept this. The evidence of the defendant fleeing the scene after hitting my son is undeniable. Yet, now even the ‘hit-and-run’ charge is not upheld. It’s completely unfair! How can this driver escape legal consequences? Can we still trust in the law and justice?”
What she found particularly unacceptable was when the prosecution explained that, according to the law, they could not appeal the defendant’s acquittal of the charges. The jury’s decision of acquittal was final.
Regarding the compensation, Mrs. Chen explained that the defendant had minimal insurance coverage, with a maximum payout of $25,000. Even if a claim were successful, she had doubts about how it would be enforced. Therefore, the family has been emphasizing the need for justice for Quintus, demanding that the defendant take responsibility for his actions and face the appropriate consequences. However, the current outcome has left them deeply disappointed.
Mrs. Chen described her son’s death as a significant blow to the family. Her husband has developed post-traumatic stress disorder due to the tragedy and had to take months off work to prepare for the trial. Learning about the verdict, she said, “We are in a very bad place emotionally. We are utterly devastated. When we came home, he cried, and I cried along with him.”
Mrs. Chen has sought assistance from the office of State Assemblyman Jin DuiXi and is preparing to contact the “Safe Streets for Families” organization. She stated that her family is in desperate need of help and hopes that compassionate individuals will assist them in seeking justice for Quintus. She also hopes that legal professionals will offer their support.
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