Man who Fled to Brockton After Fatal Driving Incident Admits Guilt

BOSTON, MA — A Dorchester man admitted Friday to fatally striking an 8-year-old girl and driving away.

James Horton, 46, pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident causing death, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and operating with a suspended license, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office. Horton was sentenced to seven to eight years in state prison followed by four years of probation, during which time Horton may not operate a motor vehicle and must pay $10,000 restitution to the victim’s family. The District Attorney's office had recommended a prison term of eight to 10 years and four years of probation.

On June 6, 2015, Horton was operating a rented 2015 Chevy Cruze at speeds of up to 57 miles per hour on West Selden Street in Mattapan. Horton struck the two children on the street and crashed into a parked vehicle. He then fled on foot before calling a friend to give him a ride to Brockton.

Yadielys DeLeon Camacho, one of the children struck, died of her injuries. The surviving victim was thrown under a parked car by the force of the crash and suffered injuries including a broken leg and concussion, the District Attorney's office said.

Boston Police identified Horton as the driver and sole occupant of the rented vehicle. He was located early the next morning hiding inside a closet at a Brockton residence and placed under arrest.

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