The man who killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana with a child in tow was sentenced yesterday to six months in jail. He was also ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation and random
The man who killed a pedestrian while driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana with a child in tow was sentenced yesterday to six months in jail.
He was also ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation and random drug and alcohol testing.
Noting he has since changed by creating a strong relationship with his church and avoiding alcohol, Michael Groves said he was “deeply sorry” for the November night in 2006 when he fatally struck Fredricka Weisenthal with his car.
Groves hit Weisenthal after he had swerved around the car in front of him. The driver ahead had just slammed on its brakes to avoid crashing into her.
“I’ll definitely carry this the rest of my life,” Groves said, adding that he’s been trying to change for 25 years.
Within those 25 years was another incident in California, his attorney said; one that Groves admitted to during the presentence investigation, despite the chance that it wouldn’t show up on a criminal history report.
Details on what occurred in California weren’t presented in open court.
“He had a mishap like this 25 years ago,” Alfred Castillo, his attorney, said. “We knew a records-check wouldn’t show it. …and he told the truth.”
Fifth Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano commended Grove’s life change, but also said no one will ever know whether Groves would have been able to avoid the accident if he had been sober.
The judge also expressed concern that Groves wasn’t alone when he got behind the wheel of his car.
“I guess you thought it appropriate to get intoxicated and then transport your child,” Valenciano said.
Neither relatives nor friends of Weisenthal were in court, nor were any statements made on their behalf.
“What is clear is that one person died,” Deputy Prosecutor Yvonne Vieau said. “The defendant has to carry that burden for the rest of his life.”
Groves had a room full of support, including his wife, Terry, who appeared grief-stricken upon realizing her husband would be spending the next six months behind bars.
No plea agreement was reached before sentencing, however, Vieau said another prosecutor handling the case had previously put a note in the file suggesting a one-year sentence, a $2,000 fine and probation with terms and conditions.
Valenciano handed down the six-month sentence noting that one year exceeded the maximum.
The state didn’t request any restitution.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@Kaua‘ipubco.com.
