POLICE BEAT: Basehor man faces four years in prison for DUI that killed teenager

Posted by Nick Sloan on November 6, 2009 - 2:39pm
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A Basehor, Kan., man has been sentenced for four years in prison after killing a Kansas City, Kan., teenager while driving drunk.

Eric Snitz, 41, was sentenced by Wyandotte County Judge J. Dexter Burdette to four years in prison this afternoon. Snitz was driving drunk on Jan. 26, 2008, when he hit 17-year-old Christopher Brown's car.

Brown suffered head injuries and died in a hospital.

In August, Snitz pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter. He was previously convicted of driving drunk twice.

Posted by Christy Smith-Poe on November 8, 2009 - 10:44pm
This makes me sick. I witnessed this horrible thing happen. My husband tried to cut Chris out of his seat belt. I tried to keep Mr. Snitz in his car at the scene. I watched this young mans parents grieve, and all of his friends. Four years? There is No justice any more. I pray for the Brown family. I am so sorry that your son lost his wonderful future for a man convicted twice of driving under the influence and going to prison for INVOLUNTARY manslaughter???? I am so sorry for everyone if this is the only justice that will be served.
Posted by S P on November 9, 2009 - 10:28am
The Brown family continues to be in my prayers. I too believe 4 years is an injustice, but now maybe the Brown family can get some closure and move on with their lives.
Posted by Michaelanne Duncan on November 9, 2009 - 10:40am
My prayers for out the the Brown family also. What is all the talk about cracking down on drunk drivers? Just talk? I am sorry, but there should be no involuntary manslaughter in a case like this. When he chose to get in his car and drive drunk he knew what could happen. And he had been convicted twice before for driving drunk?Come on, no justice was served here. I guess three strikes doens't count if you drink and drive. It just makes me sick.