Families demand death for drunk hit and run official
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The families of five teenagers killed by a post office chief in Henan Province who was driving drunk still hope the driver will be sentenced to death, even though they have accepted 230,000 yuan ($34,520) in compensation from the local government for each victim.
"So far, the troublemaker hasn't shown any regret to us. I hope he will be sentenced to death unless he says sorry and compensates us with money," Yang Xiaomin, the father of Yang Yuanmei, a 14-year-old girl killed in the incident, told the Global Times Wednesday.
The incident occurred in Luoning county, Sunday, when post office chief Gu Qingyang, under the influence of alcohol, continued to drive after hitting the five teenagers, the Beijing News reported Wednesday.
Gu was arrested on a charge of endangering public safety Tuesday.
The five victims' families signed an agreement on death compensation with the local government Tuesday.
"I don't understand the law, and I only hope my child will be laid to rest by accepting the compensation," Yang said.
Hu Yihua, a Beijing-based lawyer, told the Global Times that it is not appropriate for the government to compensate victims' families before the court delivers a verdict.
In 2009, the Supreme People's Court said that anyone who commits a hit-and-run crime under the influence of alcohol and causes heavy casualties could be sentenced to life imprisonment or death. The investigation against Gu will proceed even though an agreement on compensation has been reached. Hu believes Gu could be sentenced to death.
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