Bin Shao, 56, of Flushing/Queens, NY, accepted a plea deal in Genesee County Court on Monday afternoon, and pleaded guilty to five counts of criminally negligent homicide, a class E felony, before Judge Melissa Cianfrini. Originally, Shao also faced five counts of Manslaughter 2nd degree, a class C felony. Those charges were dropped.
Daniel Lynch, Bin Shao’s Attorney, speaks to media after Shao pleads guilty during his court appearance on Monday.
Shao, who was visibly upset during most of the court appearance and crying, admitted to causing the death of five people by abandoning his duty as a bus driver by attempting to retrieve a loose water bottle and diverting his attention from the road, causing the bus to leave its lane of travel at 71mph and travel across the median into one highway delineator and overcorrecting twice.
When sentenced on September 9th, Shao could be sentenced to 1 1/3- 4 years in state prison, and face fines of up to $5,000 per count. The sentence will run concurrently.
Genesee County District Attorney Kevin Finnell spoke with media after court on Monday afternoon.
The plea was unconditional and Cianfrini will have full sentencing options. Shao has no priors and is an American citizen who was born in China, according to District Attorney Kevin Finnell.
Recognizing that Shao was very upset in court, Judge Cianfrini said, ” I know this truly was difficult. You have taken a big step in accepting responsibility, I know your admissions are heartfelt.”
Bail will continue at $200,000 cash, 10% of $800,000 partially secured surety bond, and $400,000 bail bond as Shao awaits sentencing in September.
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