A Chinese international student has pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death after killing a 54-year-old electrician with his BMW while driving under the influence. Shengquan Wang, 19, was speeding and lost control of his vehicle on March 11, 2024, striking and killing Fausto Plaza as he walked to catch a bus.
Wang's vehicle was traveling over 100 km/h in a 50-km/h zone when he mounted the curb and hit Plaza, who died of blunt-force trauma at a hospital. The collision was captured on a security camera, showing Wang's vehicle striking a guide wire and rotating before hitting Plaza.
Wang had been drinking at a downtown party and was not supposed to be driving, as he only had a G2 license and had consumed alcohol. He told his brother in a conversation captured by a police officer's body-worn camera that he "screwed up" and might have "ruined my life."
The victim's daughter, Jessy, was watching the guilty plea via Zoom and expressed relief that Wang took responsibility for his actions. She contrasted her father's hard work and contributions to society with Wang's reckless behavior, saying "what was this kid thinking?"
Wang's lawyer has requested that the sentencing hearing be delayed until February, citing Wang's exams. However, the victim's daughter expressed frustration with the delay, saying it's been over two years since the incident and she wants it "over."
The Crown will recommend a sentence, but Jessy trusts the judge to make a just decision. She wants Wang to reflect on his actions and "pay for what he did," and then leave Canada.
