A Latvian man has admitted to causing the death of a 12-year-old boy in a hit-and-run incident in Coventry in 2024. Dolars Aleksanders, 23, pleaded guilty at Warwick Crown Court to causing the death of Keaton Slater by dangerous driving. Keaton was pronounced dead at the scene after being struck by a BMW on Radford Road in Coventry on June 14, 2024. Aleksanders, originally from the Dobele area of Latvia, was extradited to the UK on August 5, 2026, following a lengthy investigation by West Midlands Police and Europol. Keaton’s parents, Louise and Clint Slater, were in the public gallery of the court as Aleksanders entered a guilty plea via videolink from HMP Dovegate, near Uttoxeter. The case was adjourned for sentencing on November 13, with Judge Matthew Walsh stating that Aleksanders would receive a long sentence, to be decided by Her Honour Judge (Kristina) Montgomery KC. West Midlands Police said Aleksanders was driving a black BMW at more than 70mph when he struck Keaton, who was trying to cross the road shortly after 4:30pm. He fled the scene, and the car was found abandoned more than six miles away about 20 minutes later. Keaton’s relatives, many wearing T-shirts with his picture, left court without commenting. Keaton’s parents issued a written statement through West Midlands Police, saying they had struggled to accept his death and felt justice had not been done. They said after two long and heartbreaking years, they can now say justice has been done for Keaton. They emphasized that nothing will bring their son back, but having justice means his life and the circumstances of his death have been acknowledged. Detective Chief Inspector Sam Lewis, who led the investigation, said Aleksanders was speeding at an excessive level and would have known the impact of the collision. He could have helped Keaton but instead fled, leaving him to die and his family to deal with unimaginable grief. He added that everyone who heard Keaton’s story was determined to catch the person responsible. Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said that footage would be played during the sentencing, and victim personal statements would be read. Aleksanders plans to make a written request to attend his sentencing via videolink.