Driver enters guilty plea in Montgomery Co. officer’s death

Rich Leotta speaks after the man who hit his son, Noah Loetta pleaded guilty Wednesday. (WTOP/Megan Cloherty)

WASHINGTON — The man charged with vehicular manslaughter in the death of Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta entered a guilty plea in court Wednesday.

Luis Gustavo Reluzco’s plea was not unexpected as paperwork was filed with the court last week. In entering a guilty plea, Reluzco all but gives up his right to appeal and forgoes a trial.

“Not having to go to trial alleviates some of that pain and suffering going through all the details but the pain and suffering of losing our son doesn’t change,” said Leotta’s father Rich Leotta following the hearing.

Sitting in a green prison jumpsuit with his family behind him, Reluzco told Judge Ann Harrington he is guilty of hitting and killing Officer Leotta on Dec. 3, 2015.

“He’s had problems handling what he has done. He fully knows the gravamen of his actions,” said defense attorney John Roth.

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