In 2022, a young Ukrainian refugee named Mariia Legenkovska was tragically killed in a hit and run accident in Montreal. The seven-year-old girl was struck while walking with her siblings in a school zone, and the driver fled the scene. The perpetrator, Juan Manuel Becerra Garcia, later turned himself in to police. He was charged with failing to stop after an accident resulting in death and released with conditions. Both the Crown prosecutor and Becerra Garcia’s lawyer are seeking a 12-month sentence to be served in the community. The judge will make a decision on sentencing next month.
Mariia’s death had a profound impact on the community, particularly because her family had recently fled their war-torn country of Ukraine due to the Russian invasion. The incident sparked protests and calls for safer roads and school zones in the province. In response to the tragedy, Montreal’s Ville-Marie borough implemented various traffic-calming measures a few months later. The entire province was deeply affected by the loss of such a young and innocent life, and the case served as a reminder of the importance of road safety and following traffic laws.
The guilty plea of the driver responsible for Mariia’s death brings some closure to the case, but it cannot undo the tragic loss that her family has experienced. The plea serves as a reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions on the road. The community continues to mourn the loss of Mariia while also advocating for changes to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
The sentencing decision in this case will set a precedent for how hit and run accidents resulting in death are handled in the justice system. Both the prosecution and defense are seeking a sentence of 12 months to be served in the community. The judge will consider all factors in the case, including the circumstances of the accident, the impact on the victim’s family, and the driver’s actions after the incident. The outcome of the sentencing will be closely watched by the community and may influence future cases involving similar offenses.
The tragic death of Mariia Legenkovska serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of pedestrians on the road and the devastating consequences of reckless driving. The case has sparked conversations about the need for improved road safety measures, particularly in school zones where children are at risk. It has also highlighted the importance of holding drivers accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for victims of hit and run accidents.
As the community grapples with the loss of Mariia and seeks justice for her family, there is a renewed focus on implementing changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The case has brought attention to the need for increased awareness of road safety and the importance of creating safer environments for pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic. The memory of Mariia Legenkovska will continue to influence efforts to improve road safety and prevent hit and run accidents in Montreal and beyond.
