The driver accused in a fatal accident that killed a softball player and coach of Oregon Community College was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.
Johnathan James Dowdy, 33, was driving his truck on April 18 when he crossed the central line and crashed into a bus with 10 members of the softball team from the UMPQUA Community University, according to Oregon State Police. The team was on the path of a game in Coos Bay, Oregon.
Coach Jami Strinz, 46, who was driving the Chevrolet Express bus, and the first year student Kiley Jones, 19, who played on the first base, died. The other eight passengers on the bus suffered moderate to serious injuries, and Dowdy was also injured.
Dowdy declared himself guilty of multiple crimes, including two charges of non -extent holiday in second degree, assault -related charges, driving under the influence of poisoners and driving criminals while they are suspended or revoked.
On Thursday, Judge Andrew E. combs sentenced Dowdy to 20½ years with three years of supervision after the prison, according to judicial records. The sentence included 6¼ years for each charge of involuntary homicide.
His driver's license was also revoked for life, and was fined $ 2,000.
The mother and stepfather of Jones, Nichole and Scott Mahoney, from Nampa, Idaho, said they feel that Dowdy's sentence was too indulgent given his past crimes. According to the records of the Oregon Court online, its history includes drunk driving and numerous violations for driving while they are suspended or revoked and driving without insurance.
“Although I forgive him because I don't want to live with bitterness and anger, I don't apologize for his bad behavior and bad choice,” said Nichole Mahoney.
The Mahoneys said that Jones was a young and funny young woman who loved animals and children and dreamed of a police race. An athlete of the University High School of Tres Deportes, with football his main approach, also stood out in softball and joined the university team when he started. She was a reliable and compassionate teammate, her mother said.
“His little sister used to have someone to call and talk about anything, and now he doesn't have that,” said Scott Mahoney. “Your friends no longer have that person to trust, to joke, to laugh, to celebrate the launch of a coffee with pumpkin spices.”
Several members of the softball team, the entire football team and the president and the athletics director of the school attended Dowdy's judgment, said the Mahoneys.
Associated Press sent an email and left telephone messages for the prosecutor, Dowdy's lawyer and the director of Athletics and University events. The university declined to comment.
