Butch

Hi, my name is Kim. I wanted to share my loss with you. My brother, Donald L Butch Spinden III, was killed by a drunk driver on May 16th 1998. Butch was only 22. The guy ( STEVEN ) had been drinking all day at a party with his brother. Both guys had no business behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Both men have a wife and kids something they should have thought about before making a careless decision. Stevens alcohol level was .14. Delaware limit is .10. I guess he thought he was ok to drive, nothing was going to happen to him. And in my eyes nothing did except he took someones son, brother, uncle and friend that day. He made a decision to make a left hand turn from the straight lane, cut in front of cars that were in the turning lane to make his turn. Not once did he stop to look and see if anyone was comming. Butch died at the scene of the crash. Butch had been on his motorcycle that he had only had a few weeks. Something he was very proud to have bought with his own money. It was his baby. Steven pleaded not guilty in Jan 1999. His court date was coming up in May, where he took a plea bargin. How can you offer someone a plea bargin, and give them a lesser sentencing? It's like telling a child if ya tell me the truth you won't be in as much trouble. He should not of had a plea bargin. He has no rights, he lost his rights when he got behind that wheel. So if he could drive then he should face what he deserves. On May 14th 1999 his sentencing was to happen where he received 3 years with a mandatory of 6 months. Well we were informed today, Oct 25th, 1999, that he will be released on Oct 29th 1999 on good time. How can you give someone good time for taking someones life? But who am I to judge? I am just the victim. The Drunk driver has more rights than I. It's hard to explain how I feel right now, it all hurts very much that he will be free in 4 days. Steven will be home to see his kids dress up for Halloween, share Thanksgiving with, and see there faces light up at Christmas time. What do we have? All we have is memories of Butch. We will never hear his voice again, see his smile, his neices and nephews will never have the chance to have him tease them again. Butch will never have the chance to get married have kids of his own. All because of a careless decision that could of been avoided like call a CAB.

Butch your missed very much ever day. Not one day doesn't go by that we dont think about you. We know one day we will all be together again. Until that day comes we will always think about ya.