The driver responsible for the crash that killed a pedestrian two years ago near San Joaquin Delta College pleaded guilty this week, according to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
Jamaraqui Burks, 28, entered a guilty plea on Tuesday, to one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, according to the press release. DA officials say Burks is facing up to six years in state prison.
“This plea delivers accountability for a reckless act that tragically ended a young life and devastated a family,” District Attorney Ron Freitas said in the press release. “While no outcome can restore what was lost, this resolution provides closure without the added burden of a trial.”
The crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24, 2024, at the intersection of Pacific and West Yokuts avenues in north Stockton across the street from the campus, according to the DA’s office.
Witnesses and city camera footage captured Burks driving a 2018 Tesla Model X at about 90 mph, DA officials said, weaving through traffic and appearing to race a Dodge Challenger.
After colliding with a Toyota Camry, Burks reportedly lost control and veered onto the Delta College campus crashing into the college’s new marquee sign. He hit the sign, continued to spin, and his vehicle struck Jazmine Floris, 23, who was walking with their service dog.
Floris was rushed to San Joaquin General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, DA officials said. Her service dog survived.
Burks fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by Delta College police officers.
Following his plea deal, Burks is set to return to court at 9 a.m. July 6 for sentencing, according to court documents.