SCRANTON, Pa. -- A Scranton man pleaded guilty Wednesday to a hit-and-run crash that killed a cyclist in the city.
Thomas Gill pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and other counts in the death of Michael Harmer in 2016.
Michael Harmer's family and friends showed up to court with t-shirts that said "Justice for Mike." Harmer's youngest child, 2-year-old Julius, had one on, too.
But Harmer's dad says justice will never be enough for them.
Harmer, 26, was hit and killed while riding his bicycle on South Main Avenue in Scranton. The driver crossed the yellow line and jumped the curb, hitting Harmer and then taking off.
Thomas Gill, the driver, was later tracked down and has now pleaded guilty to that hit-and-run crash.
"Whatever kind of time it is, Mike's gone forever. That's our loss. Other than that, justice will do what justice does. We got to know Mike for 26 years. He just took him for one second. We've got the memories forever," said his father Joseph Keller.
When Gill was arrested, he admitted to using heroin and cocaine on the night of the crash. He will be sentenced later this year under Kevin's Law.
The law requires at least three years in prison for any suspected DUI driver who flees the scene of a crash.
"It's significant that they know that justice will be served," said Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell. "He is going to be held accountable for his actions, and he's not going to be given the benefit of his wrongdoing, which is fleeing the scene."
Thomas Gill could face more than the required three years behind bars. That will be decided at a sentencing hearing in a few months.
