KANSAS CITY, Mo. - For Danny Riemann, Thursday brought with it partial closure.
Not only did his grave get a head stone, his killer pleaded guilty to the crime.
Curtis Mertensmeyer says he was speeding down ward parkway after a night of drinking.
Suddenly he heard a loud thud and his windshield caved in. He became hysterical and kept driving.
Blocks later, the 20-year-old and his friends faced the truth. Mertensmeyer started walking back to the accident but stopped when he saw the emergency lights.
Days later, the Tulane University student turned himself in. Now, the Riemanns want justice.
"People ask about finding closure but there's not. There is no closure," said Danny's mom, Kelly Riemann.
"This is a difficult day for everyone involved. We understand this is a tragedy for everyone as you might imagine," said Defense Attorney J.R. Hobbs.
Danny graduated from The University of Kansas with a degree in journalism. At the time of the accident, he had a job at Banana Republic at Oak Park Mall.
He was described as passionate about travel, art, clothing, friends and family.
"I started to make my Christmas list and instead of buying gifts for Daniel this year, i'll be decorating his grave," said his mom.
And Christmas isn't the only holiday forever changed. Danny was killed on Mother's Day.
"Danny gave the world his life and it was a great gift," said Kelly Riemann.
Mertensmeyer is under house arrest. He's charged with involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident.
He's set to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2009. He faces anywhere from one day in jail to seven years in prison.
