“This wasn't an accident,” said prosecutor Clint Campion.
He argued that Brewer chose to get behind the wheel drunk, and that in determining Brewer’s sentence, Judge Michael Wolverton needed to consider that Brewer should be an example for others in the community who might commit a similar injustice.
Campion also said he gets the sense Brewer is yet unwilling to admit and acknowledge his problems with alcohol and drugs.
“He was on release for probably more than a year during this case. As far as the court records show and what’s been presented so far, Mr. Brewer has not made any attempt to obtain any kind of substance abuse counseling or treatment,” said Campion.
Those who know Brewer best took a few minutes to tell the court that they can tell Brewer is truly remorseful and that he won't be putting his crime behind him, but rather finding a way to prevent others from making the same mistake.
John Carpenter, a former KTUU sports anchor, who is now a pastor, was one of those who spoke on Brewer's behalf.
Right before he learned his sentence, Brewer spoke for himself.
“I just would like to say how sorry I am,” he said. “I will live with this every day for the rest of my life.”
Friday’s sentencing came about as a result of a plea agreement. Brewer pleaded guilty to manslaughter so he could avoid murder charges.
The state wanted to see him serve 8 years, but the judge decided on 7, plus ten days and then five years probation when he gets out.
34 year old Donald Knue was also sentenced to prison, Friday, for drunk driving. He gets five years for driving intoxicated the wrong way down Minnesota Ave. in 2010 and crashing into a hotel shuttle van, severely injuring the driver.
