SEATTLE — The lawyers for the man accused of hitting two protesters on I-5 earlier this month on Wednesday said the crash was not a political statement or act against Black Lives Matter, but instead was an accident.
Twenty-four-year-old Summer Taylor was killed and 32-year-old Diaz Love was injured when police say they were hit by a car being driven by 27-year-old Dawit Kelete early in the morning on July 4.
Police said Kelete, who is Black, drove his car around vehicles that were parked on the freeway to help protect the group of Black Femme March demonstrators that included Taylor and Love.
Kelete was charged with vehicular assault, vehicular homicide and reckless driving and remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $1.2 million bail. He plead not guilty to all charges Wednesday.
A KIRO 7 viewer who was watching the protest from above sent this video to the newsroom (WARNING: the content in the video below is graphic)
In a news release, Kelete’s lawyers said Kelete has participated in Black Lives Matter protests and asked that the public view the situation as a “tragic accident” and “not a crime.”
In the news release, Kelete’s family shared their condolences to Taylor’s family and Love.
“To Summer Taylor’s parents, family and friends, we sincerely say we are very sorry for the agony you are going through and pray that Summer is in a peaceful state. RIP Summer. To Diaz Love we are hoping and praying for a speedy and full recovery.”
Read the full press release below:
“No words can express or make up for the suffering that Diaz Love, Summer Taylor’s family, and their loved ones and friends are enduring at this moment. We recognize the pain is profound, raw and unbearable. It is always gut wrenching to lose one’s child at a young age, but it is more hurtful under these circumstances.
“To Summer Taylor’s parents, family and friends, we sincerely say we are very sorry for the agony you are going through and pray that Summer is in a peaceful state. RIP Summer. To Diaz Love we are hoping and praying for a speedy and full recovery,” said Dawit Kelete’s family.
“Summer Taylor’s and Diaz Love’s role in the nation-wide protests in support of Black Lives Matter should be admired, supported, and desired. If historic change is to happen in our country, which is absolutely necessary, it will be because of people like Summer Taylor andDiaz Love,” said Kelete’s attorney Megan M. Dunn.
“Dawit Kelete has been part of the BLM protests. This tragic event was not a political act or statement. On behalf of Kelete and his family, we ask each of you to leave room for the fact that we witnessed a tragic accident and not a crime. We are at the beginning of our investigation and will produce a truthful and trustworthy defense,” said Kelete’s attorney Francisco A. Duarte.
“Dawit Kelete is a kind, compassionate young man. As the legal process works its way through the court system, we ask that people refrain from posting hurtful comments by taking advantage of the anonymity of the internet. The families of the deceased and injured deserve compassion and love at this difficult and agonizing time,' said Eritrean Association Chairman Isaac Araya.”
Cox Media Group
