Ex-cop Louis Santiago sentenced’ A 26-year-old former New Jersey police officer will spend several years behind bars after admitting to drunkenly hitting a pedestrian with his car, leaving the scene, coming back to claim the victim’s dead body, driving home with the remains in his vehicle, then returning a second time to put the body back. Superior Court Judge Ronald D. Wigler on Wednesday sentenced Louis Santiago to serve five years in a state correctional facility for the 2021 slaying of 29-year-old nurse Damian Z. Dymka, authorities confirmed to Law&Crime.
Santiago and the prosecution came to an agreement, and Santiago pleaded guilty to one count each of official misconduct, desecrating human remains, and reckless vehicular murder. In return, the 13 further charges against him were dismissed by the prosecution. Santiago was given a five-year prison term by Wigler, to be served concurrently on each count. Santiago also admitted guilt to driving under the influence, and was given a 30-day suspension.
In addition to his time in prison, Santiago will have to serve three years of post-release supervision and is prohibited from working in the public sector.
Santiago’s father, who is also named Luis Santiago, pleaded guilty to obstructing the administration of the law and was sentenced to two years of probation. The former Newark Police Department lieutenant lied to investigators about what happened on the night of the fatal accident.
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Santiago’s mother was initially charged for allegedly helping her son after he brought Dymka’s body to her house, but a grand jury declined to indict her and the charges against her were subsequently dropped.
Before being formally sentenced, an emotional Santiago addressed the court and apologized for the pain his actions caused Dymka’s family and friends.
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