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Wednesday, October 15, 2008 3:00 AM
 E-mail to a friend
By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
In a shocking turn, a man on trial on charges of driving drunk and causing a collision that killed an 8-year-old China Grove girl, pleaded guilty Wednesday morning in Rowan County Superior Court.
Ross Edward Neese, 27, will serve 11 to 14 years in state prison for the death of Patricia Eleanor "Patty" Burgdoff and causing serious injuries to others riding with Burgdoff.
Neese accepted a plea agreement on what would have been the third day of trial.
Police said on the night of Dec. 8, 2006, Neese drove drunk on U.S. 29 and smashed his Ford Explorer into the vehicle in which Burgdoff was riding.
Burgdoff was pinned inside and her body crushed. She died on impact.
Two other passengers, including Patty's best friend Justen Morgan, then 7, were injured during the collision in front of of Gary's Barbecue.
As part of Neese's plea agreement, he received 7.83 to 10.16 years for second-degree murder in Patty's death, 20 months to two years for two counts of felony serious injury by vehicle and two years for driving while impaired. He can only serve one sentence at a time, rather all at the same time.
See Thursday's Post for more details.
What do you think? Post your comment below.
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Larry
Where is justice : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:43 PM
Where is justice at? I do not understand why this guy was given a plea agreement. 12 years is nothing when a 7 year old lost their life and never had the opportunity grow up and forfill her dreams. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. What is really sad is he will be out on the streets in probually 2 years because the prison's are so overcrowded. Where is the death penalty? We seem so scared to use it when myself and alot of others would agree it should be used more often and should have been applied to this case.
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ADW
drunk driver? : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 8:41 PM
Drunk driver? How about reckless, premeditated murderer! Everyone knows that driving drunk KILLS! What a shame that he only got such little time. He should be put away for a life time and never have any contact with any person. Maybe then he would know what it is like for Patty's family and friends to not have Patty. It is not only sad but painful to watch her family hold their crumbling souls together. He selfishly took my niece away from me. It used to be 800 miles that separated us but now it is a life time that separates us. May God watch over us.
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Kellie
WHAT?????????? : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 4:46 PM
11-14 years???? this has got to be a joke! He will actually be paroled in a couple of years. This makes no sense. i dont know the family, but I do want the family to know that they are in my prayers.
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L. T.
What A Shame!! : Wednesday, October 15, 2008 2:26 PM
I read this and want to cry for this family that lost their little girl. Is this all that this man can get? It just seems like a slap on the wrist to me. This little girl lost her life and the man responsible is getting off for only a little over 12 years at most. My prayers are with this family and also the family she was with that night. Just keep your faith in God and he will get you through it. God Bless!!
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