Local legislators lead efforts to increase hit-and-run penalties


Remembering Peter

Like most families, Dolores and Peter Roberto will sit down to a Thanksgiving meal this Thursday. This year, though, there will be one less place setting.
Last Thanksgiving, their 12-year old son Peter Roberto, Jr. was killed while attempting to cross Harbison Avenue near Comly Street in Wissinoming. The Somerton resident had just finished eating Thanksgiving dinner with his family at his grandparents' house.
Last week, Peter's family, which also includes siblings Christine, Brittany and Anthony, and friends held a candlelight vigil at the accident site to remember him. Dozens held hands and clutched candles on the cold night, while some of Peter's favorite music played in the background. Many wrote their thoughts on a piece of poster board propped against a telephone pole and added to a mounting collection of stuffed animals.
At approximately 6:45 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2004, a 2002 GMC Envoy hit Peter, then a student at CCA Baldi Middle School. He died at the scene.
The driver was William Halloran, 29, of the 2800 block of Knorr Street. Halloran, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, got out of his SUV, looked at the victim and fled. He surrendered at the 15th Police District later that night.
Halloran was charged with homicide by vehicle, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Family members said the attendance at the vigil was fitting for a boy who had tons of friends.
"I think it was good," Dolores said of the vigil. "A lot of family and friends, extended family, are here."
The Robertos want to honor their son in another way. Dolores joined forces with public safety activist Gerald Lamparter to draft 12 proposals for tougher laws against hit-and-run and DUI drivers. They have submitted the ideas to State Sen. Mike Stack (D-5).
One proposal is the increase in the minimum prison sentence for a hit-and-run that results in a fatality from one year to five. The Robertos also propose the same for a hit-and-run resulting in serious bodily injury.
"We're really going to push for this," said State Rep. George Kenney (R-170). "We agree with the Robertos. They're right, there is a loophole. "
Kenney is currently working to increase the penalty for hit-and-run drivers to three years. While the legislation won't affect Halloran, Kenney wants no leniency for future hit-and-run drivers.
"They didn't have the decency to stop," he said. "Every Thanksgiving, the Robertos will have this memory."
The House will vote on the bill on December 5. The Robertos' other proposals are still being reviewed by Stack.
Students at Baldi have also started a chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Family and friends continue to honor Peter through a web site of memories. It can be accessed at www.peterrobertojr.com.