Thursday, June 26, 2008

Victim's Family Relieved At Hit-And-Run Sentencing

Justin Goodman killed by illegal alien Roberto Marinez-Ruiz who had a prior dui. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Sept. 2005

Watch the video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=7966@kcnc.dayport.com

Loophole Allows Serial Drunk Driver Jobs At Schools

Despite 4 Dui convictions, Denver loophole allows Dan Bates to be hired as a school principal.

March 3, 2006

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=14477@kcnc.dayport.com

Family Of Mother Killed In Drunk Driving Crash Demand Answers

50 year old Katrina Padilla was killed as her family ended thier wedding celebration. Even though the driver stated "I had way too much to drink," he was not immediately arrested.

June 9, 2006

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=18131@kcnc.dayport.com

Man Sentenced 36 Years For Killing a Brother & Sister, Family Shares Story At DUI CheckPoints

Musicians, Isai and Zuri Flores killed when thier car was struck by a drunk driver whose blood alcohol was 2x limit. The driver, Tobias Sholes was sentenced to 36 years in prison. The parents sued the liquor store that sold to him.

Uncle states: "If somebody else sees (the slideshow) maybe, mabye it'll change someone, maybe, they'll say, "I won't drink and drive."

Watch the news videos:

March 9, 2006 footage:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=14695@kcnc.dayport.com

Repeat Drunk Driver To Be Sentenced:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=13317@kcnc.dayport.com

Feb 3, 2006
Tobais Scholes Sentenced to 36 years in Prison:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=14477@kcnc.dayport.com

Isai and Zuri's Family Hopes Their Story Will Prevent Future Tragedies, Feb 4, 2006
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=14477@kcnc.dayport.com

Names, Faces of Victims Featured At DUI Checkpoints
At some DUI checkpoints in Colorado their sister shared their story with drivers to honor Isai and Zuri as well as attempt to stop drunk driving. Aug 25, 2006 footage:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=20912@kcnc.dayport.com

Woman Killed On Her Wedding Day

28 year old Kevin Kraft sentenced to 12 years in prison for the death of 25 year old Arlene Gavrilis. Arlene was on her way to be married when Kraft, who was driving 87 miles an hour, crashed into her car with his truck. It wasn't the first time he was caught drinking and driving.

Watch the news videos:

Police Clear Bride-To-Be, June 29, 2005 footage:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=6381@kcnc.dayport.com


Sept. 21, 2006 footage:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=22167@kcnc.dayport.com

Mother and Two Children Killed

Laurence Trujillo arrested for drunk driving. The hit-and-run "accident" killed Rebecca Bingham and her two children, Garrison and Macy, as they crossed a road.

Nov. 30, 2006

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=25262@kcnc.dayport.com

Drunk Driver Shoots Police Officer

Kenneth Jordan was shot while assisting a fellow police officer in arresting suspected drunk driver, 25 yr.old Marco Lee. Lee had previous dui conviction.

Dec. 5, 2006

Watch the news video:

Dec. 5 footage:
http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=25262@kcnc.dayport.com

Dec. 11 footage:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=25490@kcnc.dayport.com

Drunk Driver Gets 20 Years For Killing 2 Teens

24 year old Gregory Ulrich will serve 20 years for killing his two teenage passengers. Chayce Miller and Alex Livesay died when Ulrich drove drunk despite 2 prior dui convictions, a revoked license, and being out of jail on bond.

March 12, 2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=28697@kcnc.dayport.com

Teen Kills One and Critically Injures Another

Alleged 16 year old, female drunk driver kills Samara Stricklen. Her friend, 20 year old Seth Mutschler, was critically injured in the head-on collision.

Victim's father states: "Tell somebody every week, every day, it doesn't matter, just keep telling people. Some day it'll get through, some day (drunk driving) will hopefully stop." Father of Seth Mutschler

March 20, 2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=29054@kcnc.dayport.com

Former Police Officer Arrested for Fatal DUI

Two teens, Jennifer Kois and Jacob Brock, killed by driver Patrick Strawmatt as he drove 120 miles per hour.

March 24, 2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs4denver.com/video/?id=29054@kcnc.dayport.com

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Naperville Ribfest Will Remember Man Killed In Crash

Brian Schultz will be remembered every July 4th with Ribfest celebration. He was killed on New Year's Eve while traveling in a cab. Brian and the cab driver were killed by alleged drunk driver. Every 4th of July a banner with his name will be displayed during festivities.

June 29, 2005

Watch the news video:
http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=13645@wbbm.dayport.com

Vigil For Construction Flagger Killed by Drunk Driver

Two years after the death of Tina Ball, 36 year old mother of 7, the family holds a vigil to keep her memory alive. She was killed while working by Thomas Harris. Tina was holding a caution sign when she was hit head-on while Harris traveled at 60 miles an hour. He had 6 DUI arrests, 4 drunk driving convictions and 3 convictions for driving on suspended license. Now he is serving 85% of 11 year sentence.

Sept. 15, 2005

Watch the news video:

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=16147@wbbm.dayport.com

School Bus Driver Drunk

Knoxville Tenessee student grabs keys to keep the bus driver from driving further after side-swiping a parked car. Bus driver's blood alcohol level 3x legal limit.

April 11, 2006

Watch the news video:

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=21636@wbbm.dayport.com

Family Mourns Girl Killed In Drunk Driving Crash

An 8 year old Chicago girl killed by alleged drunk driver who ran a red light. Aracelly's family is devastated.

May 28, 2006

Watch the news videos:
http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=22935@wbbm.dayport.com

http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=22922@wbbm.dayport.com

18 Year Old Driver Crashes Into Tree

Daniel Bell was drunk, nearly twice the legal limit when he crashed into a tree killing himself and a passenger, Ross Trace. Three other passengers survived.

Oct. 16, 2006

Watch the news video:
http://cbs2chicPublish Postago.com/video/?id=26851@wbbm.dayport.com

Drunk Mom makes 5 Yr. Old Designated Driver

A 24 year old woman drunk on Vodka knew she needed someone to drive her home. Only problem is that she gave her keys to her 5 year old son and had him drive her and his 3 year old brother home. Fortunately they arrived at a neighbors safely.


http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=35267@wbbm.dayport.com

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Griffin-Burkman Memorial

This mosaic was created by DUI Victims Voice (using photos from Flickr.com) in memory of Bethany Griffan-Burkman and her children who were killed by a drunk driver.




From Bethany's friend Nancy:

Bethany and I have been Gymboree fanatics and loopies on Yahoo for years. She was a spirited and spiritual women who loved her family. She was very articulate and even though we had different views on politics at times I always respected her and was impressed how how open she was to debating subjects she believed in. Drunk driving affects everyone. I hope that this can help someone. I haven't been able to stop thinking about them since I heard about it yesterday. What a tragedy, what a loss. I prayer for both the families.

Killed at the scene of the crash were Bethany Griffin, 36; her children Lacie Burkman, 7; Haley Burkman, 10; and 2-month-old Vadi Griffin, all of Parkville, Md.; and her stepdaughter Jordan Griffin, 10, of Redford Township.

For more on Bethany and Dan's family and to help with donations visit the My Space page set up by her family.
www.myspace.com/bhjlv

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

When does the state take away the car keys? / Stop the subsidy of drunk driving

"Drunk driving kills heroes, too. My son, Matt, was in his third year at the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001 when he was killed while home on leave in Livermore by a drunk driving with a suspended license.

Before you sympathize with me for the loss of my son, consider the fact that every Californian faces the threat of drunken driving every time they use our roadways.

According to new data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, California's families are sharing the road with 310,971 drunk drivers with three or more DUI convictions, and of those, 44,210 with five or more convictions. In 2006 alone, drunk drivers killed 1,276 of our states citizens."

Read the entire article:

When does the state take away the car keys? / Stop the subsidy of drunk driving:

The Enquirer - Drunk-driving crackdown passes

COLUMBUS – State legislators passed a sweeping bill to crack down on drunk driving today, including a requirement to install key-lock devices for repeat offenders.

With Gov. Ted Strickland’s expected signature, the new law will make Ohio the seventh state with so-called “interlock” devices.

Read the entire article:

The Enquirer - Drunk-driving crackdown passes

KELOLAND.COM - 11 DUI's: No Prison Time

A judge can sentence the worst repeat drunk drivers to up to 10 years in prison, but how often does that really happen?

You might think it would apply to 42-year-old Bob Kaufman of Sioux Falls. Last month he had his day in court for his 11th drunk driving offense since 1989.

But Kaufman received 6 months in the county jail with work release, and an extra 6 months for a different crime.

Read the complete article:

KELOLAND.COM - 11 DUI's: No Prison Time

States lock out drunk drivers - BostonHerald.com

June 10, 2008
With the law’s passage, Hawaii becomes the 47th state to enact an ignition-interlock law, although the laws vary widely.

MADD, citing studies that show most drivers who are pulled over for drunk driving have driven drunk 87 to 200 times before their first conviction, advocates for ignition interlocks for all first convictions, Hawaii Rep. Har said.

Read the complete article. States lock out drunk drivers - BostonHerald.com

Mother Sentenced For DUI Crash

23 year old Jessica Lynn will serve the maximum sentence of 4 years in prison for the hit and run while intoxicated killing of William H. Hansen Jr.

3-25-2008

Watch the news video:

http://www.10news.com/video/15707939/

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Rally Sends Sobering Message To Students

Pep Rally message timely after 4 students killed in DUI "accident." Kids sign pledge to never drink and drive.

High school senior, Elaine Ferinas, stated:
"I can't even imagine what the teenagers who passed away, what their family is going through. I would never want my family to ever feel that type of pain."

6-1-2007

Watch news video:

http://www.10news.com/video/1090660/

Woman Killed Blocks From Her Home

Woman, Jenna Lee Mendoza, killed when alleged drunk driver rear ends her vehicle.

8-22-07

Watch the news video:

http://www.10news.com/video/13949613/

10 News Editorial: Angelina's Law

10News says there needs to be state legislation and shut the loophole of leniency for repeat drunk drivers. 10News speaks up in behalf of 19 year old Angelina Pedilla whose kiler had 7 previous drunk driving convictions.

8-30-2006

Watch the news video:
http://www.10news.com/video/14868000/

Families Prepare For Funeral Arrangements Of Four Close Friends

Four close, long-time friends killed by drunk driver while going out on a double date. Jesus and Lena DeSantiago and their best friends of 15 years, Luis and Ruby, die in the same crash.

12-16-2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.10news.com/video/14868000/

Talking Urinals Eye Drunk Drivers

The state of New Mexico is dropping unusual urinal cakes in select restrooms. They have a voice chip, which belt out an anti-drunk driving message.

2-13-2007

Watch the news video:
http://www.10news.com/video/10999336/

Pennsylvania's DUI Laws Has Loopholes

Drunk driver kills couple. Joseph Semple, 4 times the legal limit, had been arrested 4 times last year for DUI. Because he hadn't gone to trial, he was still able to drive.

"We have no laws to address hardcore drunk drivers."

Feb. 8, 2008

Watch the news video:

http://kdka.com/video/?id=39484@kdka.dayport.com

Trial Begins For Alleged Drunk Driver Who Killed 5

Drunk driver walks away without a scratch while 5 are killed. The man had a litany of drunk driving arrests. 5 people from 2 families, including 3 children killed. Seven were injured.

During trial emotional, heart wrenching testimonies are given.

March 19, 2008

Watch the tragic news videos:

Trial Coverage

Drunk Driver Caused Deadly Crash, July 9, 2007

Student Film Addresses Drunk Driving

Mt. Lebenon Highschool students make a realistic, professional movie titled "Every 15 Minutes." It is based on the premise that in the US, every 15 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver.

The movie making was a "huge community project" which included the help of a doctor, nurse, firefighters, police, teachers, etc...

In the interview linked below, one of the adult teacher/actresses is asked what she hopes the movie accomplishes. She states:

"I hope that they won't get in the car with someone who is drinking. Or that they themselves won't get behind the wheel."

March 28, 2008

Watch the news video:

http://kdka.com/video/?id=39615@kdka.dayport.com

Children Survive Accident That Kills Parents

A suspected drunk driver walked away from an "accident" that killed a mother (Nora Beth Bruce) and father (Jason Bruce) and injured 3 young children.

Nov. 8, 2007

Watch the news videos:

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=22601@ktvt.dayport.com

Orphaned, Injured Kids
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=22614@ktvt.dayport.com

Community Remember Couple
http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=22654@ktvt.dayport.com

Mother of 5 Killed

Fort Worth woman killed instantly by suspected drunk driver who drove through a stop light. Debbie Gillespie killed on her way home from a convenience store. Debbie was the mother of 5 and grandmother of 4.

Jan. 24, 2008

Watch the new video:

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=24246@ktvt.dayport.com

Monday, June 9, 2008

Thousands Remember Victims, Especially Police Officer

Strides of Change memorial by MADD attracts about 3,000.
Rockland Police officer, Matt Redding, killed by drunk driver remember. He received California hero award in 2004 for most drunk driver arrests.
Oct 22, 2005

Watch Videos:
Strides of Change
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=1516@kovr.dayport.com

Program Namedf After Officer
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=3469@kovr.dayport.com

Final Goodbye to Matt Redding
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=1184@kovr.dayport.com

Suspect Remorseful
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=1184@kovr.dayport.com

Soldier Who Survives Service in Iraq, Killed

Drunk Driver killed Justin T. and fellow Marine Doug Hunter.

Dec. 9, 2005

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=3245@kovr.dayport.com

Drunk Neighbor Causes Tragedy 1 Mile From Home

22 yr old with prior dui ran a stop sign on New Year's Eve killing 19 year old Sylvia Nunez. The suspect lives just three doors down from the Nunez family. The family of 6 was driving home from a New Year's Eve party.
Jan. 1, 2008

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=28733@kovr.dayport.com

4 Victims Remembered

One year later victims of California dui-motorist crash remembered.

March 28, 2008

Watch the news video:

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=31759@kovr.dayport.com

Beloved Teacher Killed

59 year old art teacher, cancer survivor, Mary, killed by alleged drunk driver.

March 11, 2008

Watch news video:

http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=31304@kovr.dayport.com

2 yr. Old's Killer Prisoned For Two Years

2 yr. old Ryan Anderson died in 2002 when he was killed by a drunk 17 yr old driving a snowmobile. Four years later he was caught drinking and sentenced to prison for violating parole. He was FINALLY imprisoned.

Nov. 1, 2006

Watch the news video:

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=21049@wcco.dayport.com

'Christmas Story' Director, Son, Killed

Director Robert Clark, 67, and his son were killed when their car collided head-on with an SUV driven by dui motorist.

April 5, 2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=25609@wcco.dayport.com

Underage Drinking Ends In Tragedy

Family of 13 year old girl, Krista, killed by drunk driver seeks justice.
Feb. 08, 2007

Watch news video:

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=24098@wcco.dayport.com

Elk River Actor Killed By Drunk Driver

Chase Korte was just beginning to make a name for himself in Hollywood when he was killed by a drunk driver.

Feb. 18, 2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=24361@wcco.dayport.com

Family Uses Tradedy To Educate About Alcohol

Three years after three brothers, (Matthew, Jacob, & Justin) were killed when a drunk driver struck their car, the Backstrom family is on a crusade to spare other families from their tragedy.

Oct. 9, 2007

Watch the news video:

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=32119@wcco.dayport.com

Sentenced To 50 Months For Drunk Driving Death

Rebecca Yacob's killer, Logan McFarland is sentenced to just 50 months in prison.
Since 2002, in the state of Minnesota only about 45% of drunk drivers that kill someone are sentenced to prison.

The beautiful college student was killed instantly.

McFarland had 4 other alcohol arrests before the crash.

Watch the news videos:

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=36052@wcco.dayport.com

http://www.wcco.com/video/?id=23701@wcco.dayport.com

Mother Mourns 21 Year Old Son Killed

Anthony Christopher killed by head on crash by SUV while the young man waited outside his mother's workplace. The driver was kicked out of a bar for being too intoxicated. (Real smart!)

Watch the video:

http://cbs3.com/video/?id=37049@kyw.dayport.com

Teammates Remember Hit-Run Victim At Basketball Game

Boy killed by hit by hit and run alleged 38 year old drunk driver. He was riding a scooter when killed.

May 5, 2007

Watch the video:
http://cbs3.com/video/?id=39407@kyw.dayport.com

Caught On Tape: Drunken 11 year old Driver

In Alabama a drunken 11 year old female crashes into fire hydrant as police pursue.

Watch the video:

http://cbs3.com/video/?id=42291@kyw.dayport.com

Marine Killed By Drunk Driver

Instead of planning Marine reservist, gunnery Sgts. retirement, his family plans his funeral.
55 year old Nicolas Formosa served tours of duty in Vietnam, 1991 Gulf war, Iraq 2003 & 2005 dies while riding his motorcycle, not in combat.
Aug. 05, 2007

Watch the video:

http://cbs3.com/video/?id=43857@kyw.dayport.com

Remembering Rebecca

24 year old N.J. woman killed by suspected drunk driver at around 10 p.m.. Despite dozens of driving citations the driver was allowed to drive because of legal challenge to new breath test.
Oct. 10, 2007

Watch the video:

http://cbs3.com/video/?id=46896@kyw.dayport.com

Caught On Tape: Drunk Driver Slams Cop

Accused drunk driver slams into sherrif's sq. No one was injured thank goodness.
The video is dramatic!!! March 13, 2008

http://www.cbs2.com/video/?id=62137@kcbs.dayport.com

Tough New Laws Credited For DUI Drop In Japan

Drunk Drivers and anyone associated, ( bartenders, friends riding in car, etc..) also face punishment. Violations in 2007 plunged by 40% over the year before.
Drunk drivers face $10,000 fines and 5 years behind bars.

Watch the news video:

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=32493@kpix.dayport.com

Death of Two Year Old & a Firefighter Angers Community

Nov. 19, 2007
Recent deaths due to drunk drivers affect many.

Watch the video:

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=22848@ktvt.dayport.com

Drunk Drver kills two year old.

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=22820@ktvt.dayport.com

Mother of 3 Killed By Drunk Teen

Nogaelda Zavala was driving with two of her children when the teen slammed into her auto head-on. Feb. 24, 2008

Watch the videos:

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=26470@ktvt.dayport.com

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=26451@ktvt.dayport.com

16 Year Old Killed

An alleged drunk driver kills sixteen year old Kindle Smith.
Feb. 25, 2008

Watch the video

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=26490@ktvt.dayport.com

Drunk Driver Flees Fatal Crash

June 8, 2008
Watch the news video.

http://cbs11tv.com/video/?id=29046@ktvt.dayport.com

Mansfield Bicyclists Killed By Drunk Driver


Mansfield Bicyclists Killed By Drunk Driver

GRAND PRAIRIE (CBS 11 News) ― Family and friends are mourning two bicyclists killed in Grand Prairie by a suspected drunk driver.

Police say the driver, 24-year-old Kenneth Bain, was coming from a bachelor party at 8:15 a.m. Sunday.


Bain, according to police, struck Meredith Hatch and Mike Alfaro from behind with a Lincoln Navigator. The collision was so harsh it tore up the hood of the car and killed the two cyclists instantly.

Watch the local news video: