Courtroom Overflows To Hear Sentence Of Drunk Driver Who Killed Officer
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - The man convicted of killing Littleton Police Officer Kevin Denner was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Tuesday. In court, Denner's wife said she has to drive by the intersection where her husband died every day.
Justice was served but it's still not enough, Kristin Denner said.
"He was a loyal husband, a giving father and officer ... and friend."
Officer Denner, a 10-year veteran of the Littleton Police Department was known as "the gentle giant."
"He was a tremendously large man in stature, but also in personality," described Chief Doug Stephens.
Friends, colleagues and family of the fallen officer wore T-shirts to the courtroom that said "In loving memory of our gentle giant."
On his way to work the morning of May 6, 2013, Officer Denner's life came to a tragic end. He was hit by Jemal Dawed who failed to yield to oncoming traffic, and hit the officer on his motorcycle, then dragged him more than 20 feet.
Dawed's blood alcohol content was nearly twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. Before a judge sentenced him for vehicular homicide, Dawed apologized to Denner's wife and family.
"I believe he is sorry, but I really feel we need consequences for our actions," said Kristin.
The Littleton PD is still deeply mourning the loss of Officer Denner. The chief said the defendant's decision to drive drunk impacted many people, and it was all unnecessary because Dawed had no regard for anyone but himself.
At Denner's funeral, the chief told his family that they have the department's support, "These people standing behind you, will stand behind you today, tomorrow, and forever," said Stephens.
Despite pleas for probation from several friends and family, Dawed was given the maximum sentence.
"I'm happy with the results that came out today, but I think we need to get together to fight for mandatory drunk driving laws," said Kristin.
Letters written by Denner's two young children were read in court, asking that their father's killer be sent to prison for life.
Dawed is eligible for parole after four years.
"(Denner's children) won't get out of high school before this guy gets out of prison. That seems wholly inadequate to justice," stated George Brauchler, Arapahoe County District Attorney.
At the sentencing, the judge stated that society has a serious DUI and distracted driving problem, this being one of the more heartbreaking examples.
