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Drunk Driving Accidents
San Diego Hit and Run Driver Sentenced to 11 years
September 28, 2007
Closure has been a while coming for the Young family. Last November, their 19-year-old daughter Whitney, a Mesa College freshman was out with her four friends on Montezuma Road, adjacent to Rockford Drive near San Diego State University, California. As Whitney crossed the street a BMW driven by Eric Joseph Leeman struck the co-ed. Whitney suffered massive brain injuries and was rushed to hospital. She spent 4 days in intensive care before doctors pronounced her dead.
Leeman fled the scene and did not surrender to Police. At the trial, he confessed that he feared the consequences and was overcome with guilt and sadness. When the Police traced and arrested him four days after the accident, he informed them that he thought he had struck an animal, possibly a raccoon!
Leeman had been charged with a count of murder which was dismissed as part of a plea bargain. Witnesses testified in court that the 21-year-old Leeman had been seen drunk at a party a night before the fatal accident that killed Young. He was sentenced to 11 years in California State Prison on gross vehicular manslaughter. While making the decision, the judge also took note of the fact that Leeman had a previous DUI conviction in juvenile court when he was 17, and should have been aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.
For Whitney's family, it's a bittersweet moment. They have doggedly pursued the case, and say the verdict might help them find peace.
Every year hundreds of thousands of people go against their better judgment and get behind the wheel, too intoxicated to see straight. They not only risk their own lives, but also endanger the lives and safety of the countless others unlucky enough to share the roads with them.
If you have lost a loved one or been injured as a result of an accident where the other person was clearly under the influence, you have rights that you need to protect. Call the personal injury lawyers at The Reeves Law Group for a free consultation.
