Latest news with #Liam'sLaw
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
South Carolina native, singer, actress Angie Stone dies in car crash
South Carolina native and singer-songwriter Angie Stone died in a car crash at the age of 63 on Saturday morning. Stone was traveling from Atlanta to Alabama around 4 a.m., the Associated Press reports. The vehicle she was riding in was 'flipped over and was subsequently hit by a big rig,' producer Walter Millsap III told The Associated Press in an email. Millsap told the AP he learned the information from Stone's daughter, Diamond Stone. He also said all others traveling with Stone survived. READ: Lawmakers discuss 'Liam's Law' to increase penalties for street racing Stone was born and church-grown in Columbia, South Carolina. She was a Grammy-nominated R&B singer, a member of the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence, and known for the hit song 'Wish I Didn't Miss You.' Stone was scheduled to perform at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's Championship basketball game halftime show on Saturday. The CIAA Chaplain Pastor called for a moment of silence at the game. WATCH: Meet stars from classic horror movies and pop culture celebs at Mad Monster convention
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Yahoo
‘Liam's Law' bill stems from street racing accident that killed Gaston County 6-year-old
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A bill just filed in Raleigh, named Liam's Law after a Gaston County 6-year-old, would strengthen the penalties for street racing when someone is injured or killed. Liam Lagunas was killed in 2021 in Gaston County. He was riding with his father, when two people in other cars started an impromptu street race. Family, friends and law enforcement came to the Gaston County courthouse Friday to talk about why Liam's Law should become state law. One killed, two others injured in crash along The Plaza in east Charlotte: CMPD Lagunas was only 6 years old, but his mom says he lit up the world. 'He would literally have talked to everybody in this room and he would have tried to make everybody laugh,' said Brandi Birrittier, Liam's mother. Liam's smile is what his dad remembers that night in June 2021, and Liam hugging his brother. 'I took him to get ice cream, we went to have a dinner,' said Santiago Lagunas, Liam's father. The crash on U.S. Highway 74 happened so fast. Liam and his dad were trapped in the car. Santiago Lagunas handed his son over to first responders. 'I screamed because I wanted him to wake up, he never did,' said Lagunas. The tragedy never should have happened. State Highway Patrol says Donnie Cobb and Gracie Eaves were street racing and caused the crash that killed Liam and injured Santiago. 'When you think about someone that recklessly did something means they had no care in the world for the other person's life, so we don't necessarily want to be driving on the road with those same kind of people,' said Birrittier. Cobb had a history of traffic violations, including impaired driving, so he got harsher penalties. But Eaves did not. 'What was missing was the element of malice, it was difficult for us as a prosecutor to prove malice in that case against Ms. Eaves,' said Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page. H246v0Download Eaves only got several years in prison, but under the Liam's Law bill, she would have gotten double or triple the time in prison. 'Obviously we never get Liam back so as far as justice there, there's no justice but legally there's justice,' said Birrittier. And that's what they want for other families. Because that's what Liam would want. 'I bet he's happy and I bet wherever he's at right now, he has that smile on his face,' said Lagunas. Next month the Gaston County DA plans to meet with lawmakers about getting Liam's Law passed in Raleigh. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Lawmakers discuss ‘Liam's Law' to increase penalties for street racing
There's a new push to ensure no child dies as a result of a street race. House Bill 246 is named after six-year-old Liam Lagunas who was killed in June 2021 along Highway 74 near Crowders Mountain. At the time, police said street racing led to the deadly crash. Channel 9′s Dave Faherty, who spoke with Liam's family after that wreck, was at the Gaston County courthouse on Friday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Second arrest made in street racing crash that killed 6-year-old boy In 2021, prosecutors said Liam was with his father when two people unknown to the family got into a street racing competition, causing the family to crash. Police said the suspect, Donnie Cobb, was traveling over 100 mph when he crossed the median and struck the car with Liam in it. 'We want to help other families even though it had to be this way,' said Brandi Birrittier, Liam's mother. Liam's parents were there as lawmakers and prosecutors introduced Liam's Law in his honor. The proposed law would increase the penalties for street racing when it leads to a death or serious injury. There is also a provision for folks who leave deadly hit-and-runs. District Attorney and Rep. John Torbett were in Gaston County Friday to discuss Liam's Law. 'North Carolina has a strong racing history,' Page said. 'But that racing should be at Charlotte Motor Speedway, not on U.S. Highway 74.' Liam's father, Santiago Lagunas, fought back tears as he spoke about the crash. Lagunas said Liam loved to help others and hopes the proposed legislation will help keep other drivers safe. 'Everyday people are traveling the road with their kids, and it's not fair to them to go through what I went through,' Lagunas said. Page said the bill was just introduced. He is now encouraging folks across the area to reach out to their representatives to help make it a law. WATCH BELOW: 2 minors charged for deadly street racing crash, CMPD says
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Yahoo
Lawmakers discuss ‘Liam's Law' to increase penalties for street racing
Prosecutors and lawmakers in Gaston County are expected to discuss House Bill 246, known as Liam's Law, on Friday. The bill is named after six-year-old Liam Lagunas who was killed in June 2021 along Highway 74 near Crowders mountain. At the time, police said street racing led to the deadly crash. Channel 9′s Dave Faherty, who spoke with Liam's family after that wreck, was at the Gaston County courthouse on Friday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Second arrest made in street racing crash that killed 6-year-old boy In 2021, prosecutors said Liam was with his father when two people unknown to the family got into a street racing competition causing the family to crash. Police said the suspect, Donnie Cobb, was traveling over 100 mph when he crossed the median and struck the car with Liam in it. The proposed law would increase the penalties for street racing when it leads to a death or serious injury. There is also a provision for folks who leave a deadly hit-and-runs. The district attorney, along with representative John Torbett, will be in Gaston County Friday to discuss Liam's Law. Faherty spoke with Liam's mom Friday about her efforts to get justice in this case. The press conference about Liam's Law was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. We'll of course bring you updates starting tonight on Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. WATCH BELOW: 2 minors charged for deadly street racing crash, CMPD says
