A speeding driver has admitted killing 12-year-old Keaton Slater in a hit-and-run collision in Coventry.
Dolars Aleksanders pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in Radford Road on 14 June 2024.
Dolars Aleksanders
The 23-year-old was driving a BMW and travelling at more than 70mph when he struck Keaton, who was attempting to cross the road, shortly after 4.30pm.
Tragically, nothing could be done to save Keaton and he died at the scene.
Aleksanders drove off and the car was found abandoned in Frederick Road, Coventry – more than six miles away – around 20 minutes later.
Following enquiries from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) we quickly established Aleksanders as the prime suspect.
Soon after we issued a wanted appeal to trace Aleksanders, although we now believe he had already left the UK and fled to Latvia.
He was traced to the northern European country and we’ve worked with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), National Crime Agency (NCA) and other authorities to bring about his arrest and extradition.
Aleksanders appeared at Warwick Crown Court today where he entered his plea. He was remanded ahead of sentencing on 13 November.
Keaton’s family said: “For two years, we have struggled to come to terms with Keaton’s death while also having to live with the devastating feeling that justice has not been done.
“We have had to endure the heartbreak of losing our son while waiting, hoping and fighting for accountability. There have been days when the pain has felt unbearable, and days when it has been difficult to see a way forward.
“Keaton should have been here. He should have been growing up, making memories, laughing, dreaming and living his life. Instead, we have had to learn to live in a world without him.
“But today, after two long and heartbreaking years, we can finally say that justice has been done for Keaton.
“Nothing will ever bring our beautiful boy back. No sentence, no outcome and no words can ever take away the pain of losing him. But finally having justice means that Keaton’s life and the circumstances surrounding his death have been acknowledged.
“We will never stop loving Keaton. We will never stop missing him. And we will never stop speaking his name.
“Keaton was more than the way he died. He was our son, our beautiful boy, and a huge part of our lives. He will always be remembered, always be loved, and always be in our hearts.”
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Lewis, who has led the investigation, said: “This has always been about getting justice for Keaton and his family.
“Keaton should have had his life ahead of him, but the selfish and reckless actions of Aleksanders took this away from him.
“Aleksanders was speeding at an excessive level and would have known the impact of the collision. He could have sought to help Keaton but instead fled, leaving him to die and his family to deal with an unimaginable amount of grief and pain.
“Everyone that has heard Keaton’s story has been determined to do everything possible to catch the person responsible.
“This has been a complex investigation but we’ve always remained resolute and bonded by the belief that we would ensure Aleksanders was convicted for his appalling actions.
“Our thoughts, as always, are with Keaton’s loved ones. They have shown such courage in adversity and we thank them for their understanding, support and patience.”
