BREVARD COUNTY, Fla.,None — It was an emotional day in court Tuesday as a man learned his prison sentence for a drunk driving crash that killed a doctor and his wife.
Andrew Emmons' blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit when he crashed into a van on I-95 in Brevard County.
The crash killed Rodney and Louise Copeland in February 2010. On Tuesday, the Copelands' children and family members were in court for Emmons' sentencing.
There was barely a dry eye in Courtroom 4-F. Relatives of the Copelands delivered a powerful message about the pain caused by drinking and driving.
Before Andrew Emmons was sentenced, Sue Copeland Armbruster wanted him to know the names and faces of those he hurt.
The Copelands were thrown from their minivan and killed as they were driving home from a Jimmy Buffett concert in Orlando. Three teenage daughters were left orphaned.
"No one can ever prepare you for when you lose people you love. I was 18 when I lost both my parents due to a drunk driving accident," one of their daughters testified.
Emmons was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crash. Emmons faced 30 years, but took a plea deal in exchange for a shorter sentence that relatives of the Copelands agreed on to ensure a conviction and ease the burden of a trial.
"You face a 15-year sentence. We face a life sentence. I'm wondering if you are scared," the couples' sister said.
The Copelands' sister said they would not rejoice in the sentencing, and instead offered compassion rarely heard from a victim.
"Andrew Bradley Emmons, may God keep you safe," she said while praying for his safety.
Then she went to his parents. Emmons himself fought back tears.
"There ain't nothing I could really say to fix things or heal y'alls pain, but I'm sorry for y'alls loss and my part in it," Emmons said.
In addition to his prison sentence, Emmons will lose his license for the rest of his life and is forbidden from drinking alcohol.
WFTV
