Man goes to prison for killing boy in DWI
By James R. Donnelly
CANTON- A Stockholm man was sentenced Tuesday in St. Lawrence County Court to up to six years in state prison for killing a 15-year-old boy while driving drunk—and was forgiven by the victim’s family.
Richard E Hayes, 40, pleaded guilty July 17 to vehicular manslaughter and felony driving while intoxicated in satisfaction of charges stemming from a March 30 accident in which Jonathan Z. Martin, 15, died. The accident took place when Mr. Hayes’s van slammed into a modified golf cart the youth was using to gather maple syrup along County Route 47, Parishville. Mr. Hayes’s blood alcohol content was0.21 percent, more than three times the 0.08 percent level considered proof of intoxication under state law.
“We grieve much for our son Jonathan and miss him,” said Luke Martin, the victim’s father. But, he said, “As a family we offer forgiveness to you. We believe, even though you are a prisoner, Jesus can set you free.”
Mr. Martin offered Mr. Hayes an opportunity to socialize with his family, joining them at home, during work parties and in church, instead of spending his time drinking in bars.
“Jesus loves you, Richard,” Mr. Martin said, “Please let him into your life.”
County judge Jerome J Richards sentenced Mr. Hayes to two to six years in prison for vehicular manslaughter and one to three years for DWI. He will be allowed to serve the sentences concurrently. He must also pay $1,845 in fines and court fees.
CANTON- A Stockholm man was sentenced Tuesday in St. Lawrence County Court to up to six years in state prison for killing a 15-year-old boy while driving drunk—and was forgiven by the victim’s family.
Richard E Hayes, 40, pleaded guilty July 17 to vehicular manslaughter and felony driving while intoxicated in satisfaction of charges stemming from a March 30 accident in which Jonathan Z. Martin, 15, died. The accident took place when Mr. Hayes’s van slammed into a modified golf cart the youth was using to gather maple syrup along County Route 47, Parishville. Mr. Hayes’s blood alcohol content was0.21 percent, more than three times the 0.08 percent level considered proof of intoxication under state law.
“We grieve much for our son Jonathan and miss him,” said Luke Martin, the victim’s father. But, he said, “As a family we offer forgiveness to you. We believe, even though you are a prisoner, Jesus can set you free.”
Mr. Martin offered Mr. Hayes an opportunity to socialize with his family, joining them at home, during work parties and in church, instead of spending his time drinking in bars.
“Jesus loves you, Richard,” Mr. Martin said, “Please let him into your life.”
County judge Jerome J Richards sentenced Mr. Hayes to two to six years in prison for vehicular manslaughter and one to three years for DWI. He will be allowed to serve the sentences concurrently. He must also pay $1,845 in fines and court fees.
posted by Melvin Martin @ 3:55 PM
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