Louis Santiago, 26, pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the Nov. 1 night when he struck and killed Damian Dymka while driving intoxicated on the Garden State Parkway. He struck the 29-year-old, who was walking along the highway, after drifting into the shoulder around 3 a.m.
"I've been distressed the past year and a half knowing that because of my actions, Mr. Damian Dymka lost his life and two families will forever be in pain," Santiago told the courtroom Wednesday. "I know nothing I say will ease the suffering but I’m truly sorry - I didn’t mean this - this was an accident."The victim's father, Andrzej Dymka, said he accepted Santiago's apology.The emotional exchanges in the Essex County Court came almost two years after Santiago's attempts to cover up the killing. Instead of calling for help right away, Santiago and his passenger put Dymka's body in the back of the car and drove home.