Intoxicated Driver in Las Vegas Accidentally Kills Two State Troopers, Receives Minimum 16-Year Prison Term
In November, a man who got drunk and then plowed his car into two Nevada state troopers on a Las Vegas highway will spend at least 16 years in prison.
Jemarcus Williams, 46, was sentenced to 16-40 years for the fatal crash. He's eligible for parole after spending 16 years in prison. He's already served 195 days in jail, so that time will be deducted from his sentence.
In April, Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of driving under the influence that resulted in death.
Drinking Spree
On November 29, 2023, Williams started drinking at the Westgate sportsbook, bought more alcohol at a gas station, and consumed even more drinks at the Palms Casino Resort.
He spent the night at the casino's Ghost Bar with another man, where they shared a bottle of Hennessy and vodkas.
Casino security guards made Williams leave the bar and warned him about driving. He hid behind a tree but, disregarding the warning, entered his car and drove away. Later, he drove onto I-15.
The November 30 route on I-15 at the D Street offramp led to the deaths of Trooper Alberto Felix and Sergeant Michael Abbate, who were both standing on the highway. One officer died at the crash site, while the other died at University Medical Center.
Williams fled the scene, but he was apprehended by police.
A blood-alcohol test showed Williams' level was 0.19 after the crash, which is over Nevada's 0.08 limit. Initially, he was charged with two counts each of reckless driving resulting in death, driving under the influence resulting in death, and duty to stop at the scene of an accident involving death.
The charges changed after the plea bargain was reached.
Under the sentence, Williams will pay Felix's family $7,674 for funeral expenses. Abbate's relatives didn't ask for compensation.
Family Trauma
Felix's daughter, Alyssa Belle Yabut, told the judge she saw her father in a state she wouldn't wish on anyone.
"Not even the tallest tower can reach him and no amount of money can bring him back," she said.
Michael Abbate's widow, Vanessa Abbate, described the trauma she faces.
"To, almost daily, have our three-year-old son, Vince, cry to me that he wants his daddy to come home, down from heaven to play with him for real, and to have to remind him that, 'Daddy can't. He can only visit you in your dreams,' is gut-wrenching for us both," she added.
"As a widow, I now experience panic attacks, shower screams, crippling anxiety, crying on the floor, the list goes on."
Williams apologized to the victims' families.
"It was an irresponsible and senseless act that I'm so sorry for, and my heart and prayers go out to both your families," he said in a crowded courtroom on Tuesday.
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