Lawrence Dukes waived his right to a trial and pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter for the death of Tyre Donnell Bailey.
On Oct. 12, 2016, Dukes was traveling on Suitland Parkway, failed to stop at the red traffic signal and struck a Metrobus, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The driver and three passengers on the Metrobus received minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital. The passenger in Dukes’ vehicle was pronounced dead on the scene.
During Dukes’ hearing, the prosecutor said the weather conditions were dark, cool and clear with no rain. Footage from the Metrobus cameras and traffic cameras on the intersection of Suitland Parkway and Stanton Road, SE, showed Dukes driving erratically and above the speed limit of 30 MPH. The bus had the right of way when Dukes ran the red light, which had been red for 20 seconds before he drove through the intersection.
Dukes’ red Buick Century struck the Metrobus and flames erupted from the collision. Officers and detectives made the decision to stay back from the vehicle until firefighters could extinguish the flame. Bailey was not extracted from the passenger seat and succumbed to his injuries.
Dukes will be released to a halfway house before his trial date so that he can attend medical appointments.
Dukes will be sentenced on Jan. 19, 2018 at 9:30.
