GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Eleven years later and the pain of their son killed in a hit and run is still like a fresh wound. That's because George and Pat Gates are forced to keep reliving the death of their son Stephen.
One of the people responsible, Rabah Samara, pleaded guilty Monday to his 4th DWI charge, a third conviction. The judge sentenced Samara to 14 days in jail for the drunk driving charge from last December.
The hearing comes just five days before the Gates will mark the 11 years since their son died. "It will be 11 years on Saturday and I still haven't been able, I still haven't been able to let go of that," said Pat Gates. "The hole will always be there. There's no amount of punishment that will help."
As Pat Gates remembers her son, she's forced to relive the agony of how he died. "We would like for him to get his life together and get on track," said Gates.
Rabah Samarah is that man.
Stephen was a sports reporter at UNC when he was killed on October 4th, 2003. He was getting out of his car to inspect a flat tire when he was hit by another car. Samara wasn't the driver, but got behind the wheel after the crash and took off. He was later arrested for drunk driving.
"My life completely changed the day that he died," remembered Gates.
Meantime, out in their garden, Stephen's father, George, prepares the annual mum garden in honor of his son. The tradition started shortly after Stephen's death when his friends came over to help plant donated mums.
"It's a way of remembering," said George Gates. "When this happens to you, that becomes the most important thing."
The Gates said they'll do on Saturday what they always do on October 4th. "Pray a bit and page through happier memories," said George.
WFMY News 2's Chad Silber asked the Gates if Monday's plea and sentencing will bring them any sort of closure. They both said there's no such thing and no amount of jail time or life changes can give them any sort of closure.
They said they will always have a Stephen-sized hole in their hearts.
As part of the plea deal, Rabah Samara will also be on probation for 3 years and could serve prison time if he violates his probation.
