Ten-year prison sentence for DUI collision resulting in severe brain injuries

By Mary Mitchell

Published on May 10, 2006

The victims were former sheriff's deputy William Reynolds, his wife, and his sister. At the sentencing, prosecutor Mark Jackson noted of Reynolds that "Large portions of his memory are forever wiped clean. He has slurring of words, lost emotions and his tolerance level is low...the bone in his right leg was obliterated and has been replaced by titanium. He will suffer from pain every day for the rest of his life." Reynolds' wife Terri, who was driving, suffered fractured ribs and punctured lungs, and now requires oxygen when sleeping.

Ms. Hanna admitted causing the Nov. 25, 2005 accident, and told investigators that on the morning of the accident, she smoked two bowls of marijuana and drank two shots of vodka before driving to work. Witnesses estimated that she was driving at least 65 mph in light snow showers, lost control of her mid-size SUV, overcorrected and hit the Reynolds' pickup truck.

Hanna wept as she read a letter at the sentencing, with the Reynolds attending. "I realize the depth of pain and suffering I have caused the Reynolds family," she said. "If I could take away the physical and emotional suffering, I would. I plan to turn my life around."

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