A Georgian diplomat suspected of causing a weekend accident that killed a teen-ager apologized to the victim's family Sunday.
"I cannot express adequately in words my sorrow for having been part of this horrible tragedy, or for the pain it causes and will continue to cause to the family and friends of Joviane Waltrick," said the statement issued on behalf of Gueorgui Makharadze, 35, who is attached to the Republic of Georgia Embassy in Washington.
Joviane, 16, of Kensington, Md., was killed in a multiple-car accident Friday night near the Embassy Row area of the nation's capital. Police have said they believe excessive speed and alcohol were factors in the accident.
Police were expected to turn their findings over to the district attorney's office as early as today for a decision on whether to file charges against Makharadze, NBC-TV reported Sunday.
As a diplomat, Makharadze is immune from prosecution. However, the State Department will request a waiver of diplomatic immunity if local prosecutors pursue criminal charges.
