A man convicted of driving drunk and hitting a car that ultimately killed a Valparaiso woman is sentenced for his actions.
Justin Ayers, 36, is sentenced to 15-20 years in prison after pleading guilty to felony motor vehicle homicide DUI. With goodtime, he'll be eligible for parole in 7 ½ years.
On a Sunday afternoon in March, Ayers was driving with a Blood Alcohol Content twice the legal limit going 100 miles per hour when he rear-ended Kathleen Benes' vehicle at 75th & Maple St. It pushed her car into traffic, and she was struck and killed.
Benes lived on a farm in Valparaiso, NE but worked for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Union in Omaha, and was heading to the Centurylink Center for work.
"Nothing can bring her back all we have is her memory so I'm very glad or I hope that in the time that he has incarcerated that he continues on a path bettering himself," said Sue Logan, a friend of Benes.
Ayers fled the scene of the crash, and was followed by the driver of another car that he hit.
His attorney says he’s completed a rehabilitation program while in jail awaiting sentencing.
“I’m not an evil person or bad person, but a good person who let alcohol take control of what I did,” Ayers told the judge. “I’ve decided to commit my life to make sure Mrs. Benes’ was not in vain.”
Ayers will also have his license revoked for 15 years after he’s released from prison.
