Riley McDermott, former assistant coach at Anderson University in Indiana pleaded guilty on several counts of DUI with death and DUI with injury pressed against him. McDermott, who denied some of his rights, was emotional during the sentencing.
According to Houma Today, McDermott pleaded to three counts of driving under the influence with death and two counts of DUI with great body injury. The collision between cars took place shortly after midnight when McDermott's pickup truck travelled with the speed of 73 mph in a 35-mph zone. McDermott's truck crossed the centerline and collided with another vehicle.
The accident immediately took the lives of the 22-year-old Corey Austin Simmonds and 17-year-old Amber Hope Perkins, while 20-year-old Jessica Ann Roberts died in the hospital. As reported by Fox Carolina, McDermott fell to the ground after he went out of his vehicle when he carried a strong smell of alcohol.
McDermott's blood sample also showed BAC of 0.187 percent. The clash also left Amber Perkins' sister Cheyenne with traumatic brain injuries. Jessica Ann Roberts' sister Samatha, also suffered injuries but survived. It was also revealed that Simmonds and Perkins were expecting a child during the time of the accident.
McDermott was emotional in the court and expressed his apologies to the bereaved families. "Most importantly, I want to say how sorry I am. I know sorry is so little for how much hurt I've caused. But from the bottom of my heart, I'm sorry. I pray for you every night, all the time," McDermott said as reported by WYFF4.
"One of the good things about being in jail is I don't have a mirror to look at myself in. I don't think I could look at myself in my face. I'm sorry to everyone that I've hurt. And those that I've let down. It could have been anyone on the road that night. It was my fault. I take complete ownership and I'm sorry," he continued.
McDermott waived his rights to jury trial, a defense, confront witnesses and the right to remain silent before the court. He was sentenced with 18 years for every count of DUI with death and 12 years for every DUI with great bodily injury. McDermott is expected to receive credit for the 530 days he served in jail and will serve time from age 24 to 40 as per plea agreement.
