Authorities have located Dolars Aleksanders in Latvia, marking a potential breakthrough in the case of Keaton Slater, who died in a hit-and-run on Radford Road in June 2024. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Latvian officials are currently coordinating to secure the return of the suspect, who is alleged to have been driving at 80mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the collision.
Legal developments in the case
The effort to bring the suspect back to Britain follows a new prisoner transfer agreement between the UK and Latvia. Justice Minister Jake Richards signed the deal, which is intended to streamline cooperation and facilitate transfers between the two nations.
According to the Justice Minister, this agreement is designed to ensure criminals face justice while freeing up domestic prison capacity. While the legal proceedings are ongoing, officials on both sides have been working to gather the necessary evidence to move the case forward.
The suspect, Dolars Aleksanders, is alleged to have been traveling at 80mph in a 30mph zone when the fatal collision occurred on Radford Road in June 2024.
Advocacy for road safety in Coventry
MP Taiwo Owatemi, who has been supporting the Slater family, described the wait for this development as an immense emotional toll. She emphasized that the family deserves justice so they may begin to grieve.
Beyond the legal pursuit of the suspect, Ms. Owatemi has worked with the Slater family to address road safety concerns in the Radford area. Following these efforts, Coventry City Council recently approved new traffic calming measures intended to prevent future incidents and ensure children can travel to school safely.
The significance of this case lies in the intersection of international legal diplomacy and local community safety. By securing a new prisoner transfer agreement, the government is attempting to remove jurisdictional barriers that often complicate cross-border prosecutions. Locally, the swift approval of traffic calming measures by the City Council demonstrates the pressure on municipal authorities to provide tangible safety improvements in response to high-profile tragedies.
What happens next
The return of the suspect to Britain remains dependent on the progression of legal proceedings and the ongoing cooperation between the CPS and Latvian authorities. If the process continues as anticipated under the new agreement, the suspect could be brought to the UK to face charges related to the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the suspect located?
Dolars Aleksanders, who is accused of killing Keaton Slater in a hit-and-run, has been located in Latvia.
What is the new agreement with Latvia?
Justice Minister Jake Richards signed a new prisoner transfer agreement that aims to improve cooperation between the UK and Latvia to ensure criminals face justice and to help manage prison capacity.
Are there plans for road safety improvements?
Yes, Coventry City Council has approved new traffic calming measures for the Radford area following advocacy from MP Taiwo Owatemi and the Slater family.
How can communities best advocate for infrastructure changes after a local tragedy?