A man accused of causing the death of 12-year-old Keaton Slater in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Coventry has been extradited from Latvia and formally charged, marking a significant development in a case that has remained under investigation for more than two years.
West Midlands Police confirmed that 23-year-old Dolars Aleksanders was returned to the UK after being detained in Latvia last month. Following his arrival, he was taken into police custody and charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He is scheduled to appear before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
International Investigation Leads to Extradition
Photo Credit: Family handout
The extradition followed cooperation between British and Latvian authorities, with support from several law enforcement and prosecuting agencies. According to officials, the operation involved West Midlands Police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Home Office, the National Crime Agency, Europol, the Joint International Crime Centre and CPS international teams working together to secure the suspect’s return to Britain.
The CPS said prosecutors concluded there was sufficient evidence to bring criminal proceedings after reviewing the police investigation into the fatal collision. The charge relates to an incident that allegedly took place in Coventry in June 2024.
The Fatal Collision
Keaton Slater died after he was struck by a black BMW on Radford Road in Coventry on 14 June 2024. The 12-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and his death prompted a lengthy investigation by West Midlands Police.
The case attracted widespread attention as investigators pursued international inquiries that ultimately led to the suspect’s detention in Latvia and subsequent extradition to the UK.
Family Kept Informed
Police said Keaton’s parents have continued to receive support from specially trained family liaison officers throughout the investigation. Officers also confirmed they have been kept fully informed of the latest developments following the extradition and criminal charge.
What Happens Next
Aleksanders has been remanded in custody ahead of his appearance before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court, where the criminal proceedings will begin. The charge is an allegation, and the case will now move through the UK court system, where the evidence will be examined and the defendant will have the opportunity to respond.
The court appearance represents the latest step in a long-running investigation and brings the case closer to judicial proceedings after months of international cooperation aimed at returning the suspect to the United Kingdom.
