The tragic case of two young brothers, aged nine and ten, who lost their lives in a car crash has shocked their family and the community. The boys were passengers in a Subaru WRX driven by Jimmy Martin Brito, who was street racing in Monterey, Sydney, in August 2023. Brito lost control, crashing into a tree, resulting in the boys dying shortly thereafter at the hospital, while a nine-year-old girl survived with minor injuries.
At a recent court hearing, their father and stepmother expressed their horror upon seeing the wrecked vehicle and highlighted the clear reasons for the children’s fatalities. They had previously identified their boys’ bodies still in their school uniforms. Brito was reported to be driving over 45km/h above the local limit and has since pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter and one of causing bodily harm through misconduct.
During the hearing, footage showed the boys cheering inside the vehicle moments before the accident. The court focused on Brito’s responsibility, with the judge emphasising that the children’s excitement did not lessen the gravity of his actions. Despite Brito’s defence citing mental health issues as a factor in his reckless behaviour, the judge dismissed this argument, noting that poor decision-making is inherent to human nature, especially in driving scenarios. Sentencing is scheduled for March 7.