A semi-truck driver, Erick Mejia, has entered a guilty plea to charges relating to the fatal incident involving locksmith Guillermo Duran Mejia in a payment dispute that escalated to tragedy.

What happened: The confrontation occurred in Arapahoe County, Colorado, on December 28, 2022, when an argument broke out over payment after the locksmith serviced Mejia’s semi-truck. The locksmith, Guillermo Duran Mejia, reportedly damaged the semi with an "auto theft prevention device" and ripped up the cash payment during the argument.

Erick Mejia admitted to driving his semi towards the locksmith's van to avoid colliding with a tree and departing the scene after realizing he had struck Duran Mejia’s van—but claimed he did not initially know he had hit Duran Mejia himself. He made two 911 calls before making a delivery and then leaving the location. according to 9-News.

The charges: Mejia has pleaded guilty to one count of leaving the scene of an accident involving death and one count of vehicular homicide. An assault charge was dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Next steps: Sentencing for Mejia is scheduled for April 19, 2024. He currently awaits the legal outcome of his actions, which left a family without their loved one.

Duran Mejia, who leaves behind a family, died at the scene despite Mejia’s eventual notification to authorities and failed attempts to stay put as instructed by law enforcement post-incident.