OMAHA, Neb. —

The man accused of hitting and killing an Iowa woman in an Omaha crash has changed his plea in the case.

Prosecutors said Eswin Mejia caused the crash that killed Sarah Root near 33rd and L streets in 2016. He has pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to appear and no contest to motor vehicle homicide.

Authorities said Mejia was driving drunk and street racing when he rear-ended Root's car at a stoplight.

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Mejia, who was in the country illegally, was not put on an immigration hold. He posted $5,000 of his bond and vanished.

Prosecutors said his blood alcohol level was 0.179%, and at the time of impact, he was driving 71 mph while Root was traveling at 3 mph. She was coming to a stop near 33rd and L streets.

Mejia is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan.

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