Drunk driver enters surprise plea in 8-year-old girl's death, sentenced to 11 to 14 years in prison

Monday, April 13, 2009 3:06 AM  |  Printer friendly version | 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.