Drunk Drivers

[Margies3]

Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW

I don't think there is anyone who has driven drunk and killed who spent 40 years in prison. The man who killed my uncle spent very little time behind bars.
Many are paroled.

This is part of the article in the Toledo Blade. I realize that because he could get 40 years, it doesn't mean he necessarily will. But I think most people are hoping he gets the book thrown at him. Honestly, I tend to agree with them. I want to be forgiving, but on the other hand, maybe it's ok to not forgive until he's asked for it???

"Article published Thursday, January 3, 2008
I-280 TRAGEDY
Dad who survived wrong-way crash inspects van, seeks closure
Driver in deadly wreck has bond set at $1.25M, could face maximum 40 years in prison

By LAREN WEBER
BLADE STAFF WRITER


One of the first things Danny Griffin did yesterday after he was released from the hospital was to visit what remains of the van he was driving Sunday night when his wife and four of his children were killed.

Inside was one of Sydney Griffin's dolls, some purses his other daughters liked to play with, a teddy bear, and a few photos.

Mr. Griffin, who broke down at one point, said he was seeking closure.

"They're hurting really bad," said Toledo police Sgt. Richard Murphy, who was with Mr. Griffin and his family yesterday at the North Toledo impound lot where the van was taken after the deadly crash.

The Adrian, Mich., man accused of crashing a pickup nearly head-on into the Griffins' van while driving the wrong way on I-280 was arraigned yesterday in Toledo Municipal Court on five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide.

According to court records, Michael Gagnon had a blood-alcohol level of 0.254 percent — more than three times the 0.08 percent legal limit for driving in Ohio — at the time of the accident.

The 24-year-old said little in court yesterday. Judge Michael Goulding set his bond at $1.25 million. Several of Mr. Gagnon's relatives, including his parents, filled the first two rows of the courtroom; two females cried as they left yesterday. Mr. Gagnon's family declined to comment after the hearing.

Killed in the collision were Bethany Griffin, 36, Jordan Griffin, 10, Lacie Burkman, 7, Haley Burkman, 10, and Vadie Griffin, 8 weeks old. Beau Burkman was injured in the crash and released from St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center Monday; Sydney remained there in serious condition last night.

The Griffins were on their way home to Maryland after visiting relatives in Michigan when the crash occurred about 11 p.m. Sunday.

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates said she met with Mr. Griffin after the arraignment to discuss the case, but she declined to divulge details. Rick Sanders, an attorney speaking on behalf of the Gagnons, said they are understandably upset and are praying for the Griffin family.

"They're pretty distraught," he said. "[Mr. Gagnon] was distraught as well, probably over his own situation and the situation of all the people that suffered."

If convicted, Mr. Gagnon could be sentenced to a maximum of 40 years in prison."