Updated 05/09/2009 08:07 AM
Teen sentenced in fatal crash
An Oneida County teen will spend less than a month in jail for the death of his friend in a car crash. Last May, Michael Krowicki, 18, was trying to get his car airborne when it crashed, killing Ryan Aldasch, 16. Aldasch's family has expressed their support for Krowicki asking for no jail time. Our Iris St. Meran spoke with his family and has more on his sentence.WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. -- Emotion filled the courtroom Friday as Michael Krowicki, 18, was sentenced for the death of his friend, Ryan Aldasch, 16.
"I also hope I don't hear the use of the word accident in this case. In my mind, an accident is something that could have not been prevented. This incident could have been avoided," said Madison County District Attorney William Gabor.
Last year, a joyride became a nightmare when police say Krowicki was driving nearly 100 miles per hour, trying to get his car airborne on Sayles Street in Oneida. He crashed into a tree, killing Aldasch.
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"I do live with much regret and remorse every day," said Krowicki.
In March, Krowicki pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide. Friday, the judge sentenced him to 60 days in jail. But he will only serve 40 days because of good behavior. Krowicki was also sentenced to five years probation and 200 hours of community service and was ordered to pay restitution to Aldasch's family for funeral expenses. The judge said he spoke with professional stunt drivers to gain insight into the case. He cited Krowicki's inexperience and immaturity for attempting such a feat.
"If a professional stunt driver wouldn't have attempted it in that car, in that location, why would anyone else," asked Presiding Judge Dennis K. McDermott.
The community has shown an outpouring of support for Krowicki, including Aldasch's family.
"Right from the very first night it happened. We knew it was kids out and things just went wrong. Unfortunately, sometimes it costs someone's life," said Ryan's father, John Aldasch.
"Michael is a great kid. And the difference is that they suffer from the guilt and our family suffers from the loss. It's immeasurable pain," said Ryan's mother, Mary Rouseau.
Michael Krowicki speaks to students regularly about this experience to avoid another family's pain. A hard lesson he learned and will continue to teach.
The Oneida community will hold a memorial at the crash site starting at 11 p.m. Saturday, marking the one year anniversary of the fatal crash.