GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — There’s a new push to ensure no child dies as a result of a street race.
House Bill 246 is named after six-year-old Liam Lagunas who was killed in June 2021 along Highway 74 near Crowders Mountain. At the time, police said street racing led to the deadly crash.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty, who spoke with Liam’s family after that wreck, was at the Gaston County courthouse on Friday.
In 2021, prosecutors said Liam was with his father when two people unknown to the family got into a street racing competition, causing the family to crash.
Police said the suspect, Donnie Cobb, was traveling over 100 mph when he crossed the median and struck the car with Liam in it.
“We want to help other families even though it had to be this way,” said Brandi Birrittier, Liam’s mother.
Liam’s parents were there as lawmakers and prosecutors introduced Liam’s Law in his honor.
The proposed law would increase the penalties for street racing when it leads to a death or serious injury.
There is also a provision for folks who leave deadly hit-and-runs.
District Attorney and Rep. John Torbett were in Gaston County Friday to discuss Liam’s Law.
“North Carolina has a strong racing history,” Page said. “But that racing should be at Charlotte Motor Speedway, not on U.S. Highway 74.”
Liam’s father, Santiago Lagunas, fought back tears as he spoke about the crash.
Lagunas said Liam loved to help others and hopes the proposed legislation will help keep other drivers safe.
“Everyday people are traveling the road with their kids, and it’s not fair to them to go through what I went through,” Lagunas said.
Page said the bill was just introduced. He is now encouraging folks across the area to reach out to their representatives to help make it a law.
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