John Convery was sentenced Wednesday to five years confinement and five years extended supervision for negligent homicide following a 2015 deadly drugged-driving crash.
Convery also received one-and-a-half years initial confinement and two years extended supervision for causing great bodily harm, and 30 days for possession of controlled substance after he crashed into two pedestrians near Georgia Pacific in July 2015.
In court Wednesday, the judge explained his sentence, reminding people that Convery wasn't found guilty of impaired driving, but negligent driving.
"I think any reasonable person--if it's a negligent standard--while knowing he's taking medication that wasn't prescribed for him should not continue to drive," explained Judge Marc Hammer, after taking into consideration "and, nonetheless, [Convery] decided he was going to continue to do that."
Convery had been found guilty of negligent homicide in the death of Brian Delebreau, and reckless driving that caused great bodily harm to Paul Price.
Tests showed Convery had non-prescribed Valium in his system when he swerved his truck into both men outside Georgia Pacific. But a plea deal meant Convery wouldn't face impairment charges.
Defense attorneys argue Convery had dropped his phone while driving.
At the scene, a wreath and flowers hangs in memory of Delebreau--a man family members say was a father, a brother, and a best friend.
"And those opportunities to say 'I love you' are forever gone," said Delebreau's brother, Kenny, "our family is broken, to say the least."
"A big part of us died the day that [Convery] hit and killed our brother," said Delebreau's sister, Christine Smith.
In court, Convery did apologize to the victims' families, adding if he could bring Delebreau back, and take Price's pain away, he would in a heartbeat.
Until Wednesday, Convery had been free on bond with conditions.
Victims' families are also promising to fight for tougher DUI laws.
"We won't stop until we get the laws changed in regards to driving under the influence of prescription drugs," said Smith.
