Woman is sentenced in fatal DUI crash
Savannah Sutherland, 23, the daughter of the founders of Scottsdale based Cold Stone Creamery was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison May 8, 2008 for the fatal collision that killed Genovena Tepec-Juarz, 36, in East Mesa on March 20, 2006.
A Maricopa County Superior Court judge also punished Sutherland with five years of probation and 1,000 hours of community service. She had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, criminal damage and driving while intoxicated. On March 20, 2006, Sutherland rear-ended a scooter driven by Genovena Tepec-Juarez, 36, in east Mesa near the intersection of Baseline Roadand Farnsworth Drive.
In a turn of events that Judge Andrew Klein called very remarkable, the victim's family intervened so Sutherland would receive a shorter prison term than what was outlined in a plea agreement reached two months ago.Before being sentenced, Sutherland read a statement in which she took full responsibility for killing Tepec-Juarez.
"I promise that for the rest of my life, I will try to make up for the tragedy I caused," she said. "And I hope to have the wisdom and strength to persuade others to avoid the mistakes I have made."Those mistakes were drinking four beers at a bar and driving away, as Sutherland later confessed to police. Her blood-alcohol content was recorded at 0.194, more than twice the legal limit.
When Sutherland's 2003 Chevy Cavalier struck the scooter, the impact threw Tepec into the windshield.Up until the sentencing, Sutherland was under house arrest and the 24-hour supervision of her parents, Donald and Susan Sutherland, founders of the Scottsdale-based chain of ice cream stores.
Being charged with a DUI doesn't have to ruin your life. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI offense contact Beauchamp Law Offices at http://www.ArizonaDUI.com
