Watch CBS News

Substance Abuse Counselor Sentenced To 55 Years To Life For Deadly DUI Crash

TORRANCE (CBSLA.com) — A substance abuse counselor was sentenced Thursday to 55 years to life in prison for the death of a 31-year-old man she hit with her car and drove more than two miles with the him lodged in her windshield.

Sherri Lynn Wilkins, 52, as found guilty in February of second-degree murder, driving under the influence and hit-and-run in connection to the death of Phillip Moreno.

Wilkins had the blood alcohol content of twice the legal limit when she struck Moreno in Torrance on the night of Nov. 24, 2012, according to officials.

"This accident was a tragedy, and I'm sorry for the pain that you're going through," Wilkins said to Moreno's family Thursday.

They responded and discussed the pain she caused them.

"You will not get no sympathy from me, nor any forgiveness," Melissa Ramo, the victim's niece said. "Last time I checked, we are all here because you are a murderer. How does that feel?"

The judge called Wilkins' crime a "callous murder", and said her job as a counselor made her aware of the risks of drinking and driving. He also took into consideration her prior burglary conviction from 1994 and convictions of smuggling drugs while in prison.

RELATED STORIES:

Driver Found Guilty Of Murder After Dragging Man For 2 Miles

Addiction Counselor Accused In Drunken Crash With Pedestrian On Windshield To Face Jury

Woman Accused Of Drunkenly Driving With Dying Man On Hood Worked As Addiction Counselor

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.