2/14/12
by Perry Miller
Eighteen-year-old Jose Jimenez Hernandez is given 15-years in prison for
causing the crash that killed 17-year-old John Bennett of rural Brookings.
Hernandez last month pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and felony hit
and run. In return, charges of first-degree manslaughter and reckless
driving were dismissed.
Hernandez admitted driving the SUV last September 3rd that ran a red light
and collided with Bennett's car. Hernandez also admitted he had been
drinking.
He was given 13-years for vehicular homicide and two more years for hit
and run. Hernandez was facing a maximum of 17-years in prison
John Bennett's mother, Teresa Bennett, took the stand today. She said
Hernandez took away "more than we can put into words." She also said
directly to him quote; "we do not hate you, we hate what you did." She
urged Hernandez to change his life for the better.
Hernandez also spoke and through an interpreter asked the Bennett
family for forgiveness. He said he was sorry and promised to be a better
person.
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