I am writing in response to the article on William Senne, who is facing new charges in a drunken driving case (“Breaking his silence,” Page A1, Jan. 6). He has taken responsibility for his actions, served his sentence, and put himself through college and started a business. He appears to be a functioning member of society. What purpose would there be to sending him back to trial or jail?
Is the prosecutor affronted that Senne was only given a sentence of 2½ years in 2005, as opposed to the 8 to 10 years the district attorney requested at the time? Would putting this young man in jail bring back state Trooper Ellen Engelhardt, who was seriously hurt in the accident, and died eight years later? Even Engelhardt’s family has distanced themselves from this proceeding.
Comments
Do you really not understand that he's being charged with a new crime? He served time for a lesser offense; now that the victim has died he is being tried for the more serious offense of causing her death.
I agree with the letter writer. This man was a kid who was very reckless, drinking underage, driving while exhausted and caused a terrible accident. He has paid a price for that and deserves the chance to continue the good life he has established. The poor trooper died from her injuries 8 years later which anyone will acknowledge is terrible for her and her family. However, no matter what, life does go on and her former partner has moved on and married. We do not need Mr. Senne to go through another trial, drag everyone back to square one and send him to prison with hardened criminals. Enough is never enough for some people.