Illegal immigrant pleads guilty in driving death

An illegal immigrant from Guatemala was convicted today of killing a Chesterfield County woman in a drunken-driving crash that left the victim pinned against the side of a convenience store.

Alberto Candino Bamaca, 39, pleaded guilty in Chesterfield Circuit Court to involuntary manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and driving under the influence in the Aug. 2 death of Carol A. Cooper, 53, of the 2400 block of Alfalfa Lane. Circuit Judge Michael C. Allen accepted Bamaca's pleas and set sentencing for April 9.

According to evidence, Bamaca was driving drunk about 11:40 p.m. when he pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store at Jefferson Davis Highway and Dundas Road. While apparently attempting to park, Bamaca struck Cooper in the lot, pinning her between Bamaca's minivan and the side of the building.

Bamaca then jumped out the vehicle and ran.

"One of the bystanders [at the scene] had to back the vehicle up to get this lady free from the building," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Dennis Duncan, who prosecuted the case. Cooper died at the scene.

Police tracked Bamaca down several hours later and arrested him.

"He admitted he had been drinking, admitted he'd been in the crash and admitted he knew he did wrong," Duncan said.

Police determined that Bamaca, who was living in the 7100 block of Wentworth Street, had a blood-alcohol content of 0.11, three points higher than the legal limit of 0.08.

Duncan said Bamaca's attorney acknowledged in court today that his client was living here illegally -- a fact already established by police.

Defense attorney Jose Aponte said later after today's hearing that Bamaca has lived here several years and has a wife and young child. Bamaca worked as a laborer and, until Aug. 2, had "no problems since he got here," Aponte said.

Bamaca feels "tremendously" bad about Cooper's death, Aponte added.

Because Bamaca could speak little English, an interpreter was used to help question him after his arrest and again in court today for his trial, Duncan said.

Contact Mark Bowes at (804) 649-6450 or .