District Attorney Keith Stutes announces the conviction of Bryce M. Chapman of Vehicular Homicide and three counts of Vehicular Injury.
On Mardi Gras Day, February 17, 2015, the defendant was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol while traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour when he struck Carol Richard’s vehicle causing a fire and explosion killing Mrs. Richard. The vehicles then collided with a vehicle occupied by Karen, Christina and Cynthia Escavage causing injuries. Chapman was sentenced on November 3, 2016, by Judge David Smith. The defendant faced up to 30 years hard labor but got only 5 years in prison. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Daniel M. Landry III and was investigated by the Lafayette Police Department.
the defendant was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol while traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour when he struck Carol Richard’s vehicle causing a fire and explosion killing Mrs. Richard.
Lenient Judge David Smith Only Gives Bryce Chapman 5 Years for DUI Homicide; Mardi Gras Boozer Was Going 100 mph Hit & Killed Carol Richard
From KATC
A Lafayette man convicted of driving drunk and killing a woman in a 2015 crash was sentenced Thursday to serve five years hard labor.
Bryce Chapman, 25, was handed a 12-year sentence, with all but five of those years suspended, on a count of vehicular homicide in the death of 66-year-old Carol Ann Richard. He was also sentenced to serve six months each on three counts of vehicular negligent injuring — to be served concurrent and concurrent with his vehicular homicide sentence — as the crash involved a third car with three people inside.
Chapman pleaded guilty to the crimes in July, and he’s been held in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center since.
During an emotional court hearing, 15th Judicial District Judge David Smith heard testimony from seven of Richard’s close friends and family members who, through tears, described the late, longtime Lafayette Parish School System employee as a beloved woman, artist and giving soul. The woman who drove the third car in the accident also testified, and she’s requesting restitution be paid to cover medical bills for her and her two passengers.
Chapman’s parents also took the stand. They testified that their son had maintained sobriety since the crash and described him as a caring brother to his special needs sister. Chapman also took the stand and apologized to those affected by his crimes. Â MORE
Death Caused by Chapman was 2nd DWI arrest in six months
From KATC
The driver of the Camaro, 23-year-old Bryce Chapman of Lafayette, was arrested and booked into the Lafayette Parish Jail on charges of OWI second offense, first-degree negligent injury, two counts of vehicular negligent injury and vehicular homicide.
Chapman’s first OWI arrest was about five months ago in September 2014, when he was accused of backing his Camaro into a vehicle in the Cowboys parking lot and leaving the scene.
Scott Police pulled Chapman over at the corner of Ambassador Caffery and Renaud Drive. Chapman reportedly agreed to a field sobriety test that registered a .18 blood alcohol concentration. Â MORE