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Heartbroken Mother Asks Judge To Give Driver Maximum Sentence In Deadly Hit-And-Run

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A mother's heartbreak and a drug addict's remorse were visible in an emotional display in court Monday, as a driver he hit and killed a little girl was sentenced.

The heartbreaking testimony took place in a Brooklyn courtroom where the driver faced a judge for his role in the death of 12-year-old Joie Sellers.

As CBS2's Hazel Sanchez reported, Sellers' mother, who was seriously injured in the crash, faced the driver and asked the judge to give him the maximum.

With courage and conviction Marcia Landais stood before the man who killed her daughter in a devastating hit-and-run, and asked the judge to reserve leniency.

"I ask the court to give Mr. DeCarlo the maximum sentence," she said.

In July 2014, Robert DeCarlo, an admitted drug addict, confessed to crashing a stolen minivan into Landais and her two daughters Joie and 9-year-old Charli as they walked on Flatlands Ave near East 46th Street in Brooklyn.

Before he was sentenced in court, DeCarlo broke down in tears addressing the victim's family.

"Words cannot describe the pain I feel for you. I am so sorry for the pain and sorrow I have caused you," he said.

Joie, a bright young girl who loved to dance, was killed. Her sister and mother were seriously injured.

"Mr. DeCarlo made a choice on July 2. His choice caused me to wake up with 15 broken bones, but most importantly the emotional pain of losing a child," Landais said, "Mr. DeCarlo has robbed me of the pleasure of saying each morning 'wake up girls, it's time for school' instead I silently say 'thank you god for another day."

DeCarlo has vowed to turn his life around.

"I wish I could turn back time, but I cannot. I can only make a better future. I hope and pray that one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I am truly sorry," he said.

Landais said she just isn't there yet.

DeCarlo had asked the judge to delay his sentence so he could stay at Rikers Island and be close to his mother who is suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. The judge declined that request and sentenced him to the maximum of 5 to 15 years.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said DeCarlo was on his way to buy heroin when he crashed.

Prosecutors claim DeCarlo is still using drugs and was caught smuggling and selling marijuana in prison.

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