A DUI driver has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a tragic crash that claimed the lives of three children. The crash occurred nearly a year ago in August, 2019. It took place in southern Idaho in a construction zone.
Matthew Richard Park, the driver who caused the crash, has now been sentenced by the 5th District Court. He had been facing multiple charges in the wake of the crash. Back in May, Park plead guilty to a number of these charges including three felony counts of vehicular manslaughter and one count of aggravated DUI. Park must complete a sentence of at least 17 years before he can be eligible for parole.
The nature and number of charges against him reflect the way the DUI crash occurred. According to the details shared by the Idaho State Police, Somchai Lurak was traveling with his three daughters when he slowed down in a construction area. Park was driving his vehicle behind them. He was traveling at a speed of 85 mph and later investigations revealed that he had been drinking for several hours before driving his vehicle.
Park’s vehicle slammed into the vehicle Lurak was driving when the latter slowed down. The sheer impact of the collision caused severe damage to Lurak’s vehicle as well as all its occupants. The three young girls, Aneena Lurak aged 6, Kya Lurak aged 5 and Drayka Emyka Rayshell aged 3, died from the injuries sustained in the crash. Somchai Lurak himself suffered a serious spinal cord injury and now has to live with a permanent disability.
Following the incident, Park was checked for his blood alcohol concentration. It was found to be more than twice the legal limit. At his sentencing, Park expressed regret and apologized to the family which had to live through this tragedy. If you’re involved in a wreck involving a drunk driver, contact our Boise DUI attorneys right away.
Source: https://magicvalley.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/july-crime-report-stabbing-in-murtaugh-a-park-bathroom-fire-escaped-inmate-arrested-and-more/collection_e5494251-67d4-5c44-a744-1de7ca262b63.html#28