A woman, found guilty of two counts of first-degree manslaughter, one count of second-degree assault, one count of DUI and one count of reckless endangerment, as reported by the Statesman Journal, received no sympathy from the parents of the teenagers that died because of her callousness and her assertion that she was not influenced by the medications she had taken for nervousness, depression and anxiety.
S.D., 31, was found guilty on all counts stemming from a September 2010 crash that claimed the lives of B.G., 18, F.C., 16 and injured J.E., 16. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled but S.D. is facing up to a 52-year prison sentence and fines of over $1 million.
As Judge Dennis Graves read the verdicts aloud, her mother, K.H. and grandmother, B.H., joined S.D. as all three broke down into tears. However, L.G., B.G.'s mother claimed that S.D's response was "all fake" and "she's shown no remorse. It was all a game to her, and now she's finally getting punished. … But she'll never get what we really wanted her to get anyway."
On September 23, 2010, the two teenagers were killed when S.D. jumped a curb and drove into them. S.D. had been driving a Chevrolet Blazer on Lancaster Drive NE near Winema Place NE. J.G., the teen that survived, had his aorta torn and had been in a hospital for three weeks before recovering.
L.G. added, "The big part's done. We finally got justice. I was shocked we actually got what we were seeking. … It's been a nightmare, like being on a roller coaster out of control."
At issue during trial was if S.D. had knowingly put people into danger while driving under her prescribed medications. According to expert testimony, her blood and urine samples taken on the day of the crash revealed that she had taken the antidepressant Wellbutrin, muscle relaxer Flexeril and anti-anxiety medication Ativan.
Prosecutors successfully argued that S.D. was aware that the medications she ingested that day would impair her driving. That knowledge, coupled with her lack of concern for the victims and more concern to the idea of facing prison time, was also used by prosecutors.
Attorneys that defended S.D. argued that she was not aware of the side effects of her medications. They also contended that their client felt that the prosecutors made her appear uncaring.
Earlier in the week the jury had failed to reach a majority 10-2 vote to convict or acquit. The judge rejected their findings and ordered them to restart their deliberations.
Deputy District Attorney Melissa Wakeman said, "Today's really about the victims getting justice. We are very thankful to the jury for going carefully about (their decision) and seeing that the process brought justice."
Contact a DUI attorney if you are facing criminal charges that stem from a DUI, DWI, OUI or OWI. A qualified DUI attorney will be the best person to help you with your defense.