From WUSA
ROCKVILLE, MD (WUSA) — Victims’ families reacted with tears and fury Friday night after a three judge panel dramatically cut the sentence for a man who admitted killing three of his friends and fleeing the scene last year in a drunk crash that killed three teens.
The panel cut the 20 year sentence imposed on Kevin Coffay in January to eight years. He will be eligible for parole as soon as next May.
Patrick Hoover, John McQuire and Doug Datt — all fathers who lost their children in the crash last May — said the sentence is like putting a sign out at the county limits, “drunk drivers welcome here.”
Judge Terrance McGann announced the unanimous decision of the three judges. He said, “Kevin Coffay must be incarcerated, but his life should not be wasted or destroyed.” He said the 20 year sentence far exceeded sentencing guidelines. And while he said there is a “culture of recklessness” and excessive drinking among teenagers, he said, “we will not place blame at Kevin’s feet,” for the alcohol…MORE