2008 Woodie Awards
Drunk driver receives sentence in professor's death
Jerica Harvey
Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: News
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Samantha Young was 19 when she struck Poorman's car from behind June 27, 2007 at an estimated speed of up to 120 mph. Young's car pushed Poorman's across the I-90 median and into oncoming traffic. She had nearly three times the legal limit for blood alcohol content and 21 nanomiligrams of cocaine in her system. Poorman was 56 when she died.
The Assistant District Attorney Doug McLean recommended Young receive 10 years of jail time and 5 years of extended supervision. He called the event "criminally reckless" and said it was her choice to consume alcohol and drugs, then drive. He also said she has shown limited signs of remorse since.
Defense Attorney Helene Zinberg recommended Young receive only 10 months of prison confinement at the Dane County Jail and 10 years of extended supervision. She also suggested Young return to the jail on the anniversary of Poorman's death for a week of jail time each year. She said Young's criminal background was minimal; she needed treatment for alcohol and drug abuse as well as mental problems.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge David Flanagan also ruled as part of her punishment she must write a letter to the Royal Purple once a year explaining the choices she made June 27, why she made them, and what she has done since Poorman's death to offset the pain and suffering of her actions.
Viewing Comments 1 - 9 of 10
Kendra
posted 3/27/08 @ 7:19 PM CST
Wow. Finally. All I can say is that this girl has really messed up her life and that of Professor Poorman's entire family, and there is never going to be enough justice in this case. (Continued…)
Thomas
posted 3/28/08 @ 10:13 PM CST
I can keep it civil, but this sentence is ridiculously light.
Ray
posted 3/30/08 @ 2:24 PM CST
the sentence is ridiculously light. when are people going to realize that drinking (drugs)-and then driving is an "intentional act"? How about maybe sentencing the girl to report to Prof P's family every Christmas morning, so she can explain why it is again their loved one is not there. (Continued…)
Bill S.
posted 3/30/08 @ 4:39 PM CST
Kendra, do you really think justice was served? 4 years for killing someone. Unfortunately, another light sentence from another liberal judge. Very unfortunate for Professor Poorman's family and society. (Continued…)
Abbey
posted 4/02/08 @ 9:38 AM CST
Everything Young did was an intentional act that resulted in a tragic outcome for P.B., her loved ones, students of UWW, and Young. I am devastated as a citizen and UWW student that Young received such a sentence. (Continued…)
Jim
posted 4/09/08 @ 5:27 PM CST
She was insanely drunk, high on cocaine and driving 120 mph. She caused a major accident, delaying traffic in both directions on the Interstate. And she KILLED someone. (Continued…)
Tragedy spurs hate
posted 4/14/08 @ 6:49 PM CST
I'm glad to see that the sentencing is helping some of you through the grieving process, however, I must point out that this was a foolish mistake by a young lady, and I believe you may be hasty in your judgment. (Continued…)
Stu
posted 4/17/08 @ 2:25 AM CST
She should be sent to the penal colony on that one planet in the Pegasus galaxy in Stargate: Atlantis where the Wraith come and feed on the prisoners. (Continued…)
alcohol rehab
posted 9/25/08 @ 1:59 PM CST
10 years to think about the biggest mistake of your life...I'm 28 now, and I couldn't imagine what it would be like if I was serving a sentence for something I did when i was 18 - it would feel like a different person did it. (Continued…)
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