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Man Sentenced In Deadly Hit & Run Will Spend 12 Years In Prison

DENVER (AP) — A man who pleaded guilty in a fatal hit-and-run that killed an airman from Buckley Air Force Base will spend the next 12 years behind bars.

William Pettapiece was sentenced to two 12-year sentences Friday afternoon but will serve the sentences concurrently, or at the same time.

He pleaded guilty last month to vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Prosecutors said Pettapiece, 32, was driving a van that struck the rear of a motorcycle driven by 23-year-old Michael Snyder on April 9.

"This was a senseless act that should have never happened," said Snyder's father, Stacy Snyder.

Snyder was a member of the 460th Space Communications Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora where he worked on the Global Missile Warning System for two years.

When police caught up to Pettapiece a few hours later after two Good Samaritans followed him home, his blood alcohol measured twice the legal limit.

"It could have been avoided way too easily," said Stacy Snyder.

Craig Mansfield was in the courtroom to support the Snyder family. His son was an airman in the same squadron who was also killed by a drunk driver.

"It will stop when people realize that they are responsible for their actions. If they drink, don't drive," said Mansfield.

Snyder's parents spoke in court and said that he loved Colorado and loved the outdoors.

Pettapiece also spoke in court, saying that he is heartbroken for taking Michael from his family and that he's sorry for being the source of so much pain.

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