VA: Man pleads guilty to maiming bikers

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.newsleader.com/article/20100617/NEWS01/100617009/1002/news01/Man+pleads+guilty+to+maiming+motorcycle+riders Man pleads guilty to maiming motorcycle riders By Brad Zinn/staff • bzinn@newsleader.com • June 17, 2010
STAUNTON — A Monterey man jailed Wednesday after reportedly showing up for court under the influence of alcohol entered guilty pleas Thursday to plowing his truck into a group of motorcycle riders in 2009, injuring four people.
Sean A. Stanton, 34, was convicted in Augusta County Circuit Court on charges of driving under the influence, second offense, and three charges of maiming while DUI.
On May 31, 2009, Stanton lost control of his 1997 Toyota Tacoma pickup as he headed west on U.S. 250 near McDowell, according to assistant prosecutor Robin Boylan of the Augusta County prosecutor’s office. Boylan said Stanton swerved right and overcorrected, sending his truck into a spin as it careened into oncoming traffic, hitting a group of motorcycle riders broadside. The riders were on a benefit run to raise money for the children’s hospital at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.
The crash injured four riders, including Marty Krupinski, street superintendent for the City of Staunton at the time. Krupinski was airlifted to U.Va. Medical Center with multiple injuries, including a shattered leg and a torn aorta, Boylan said. Another rider, Christine Hinkle, was airlifted with a serious leg injury and broken ribs. Two others also suffered injuries.
The riders were with the Harley Owners Group. Boylan said Stanton showed “no emotion” following the crash, and said he admitted to state police that he’d consumed mixed alcoholic drinks earlier in the day.
On Wednesday, Staunton reportedly had a blood-alcohol content of .25 when he showed up for court to plead guilty. He had his bond revoked and was ordered jailed. In court Thursday, he said, “I wish this accident had never happened. I’ve been thinking about it for over a year.”
Following Thursday’s hearing, Krupinski, forced to retire in November because of injuries suffered during the crash, said, “It doesn’t really matter what he says at this point right here.”
Krupinski, who walks with the aid of a cane, said it was just “shy of a miracle” that he survived the ordeal. “I’m pinned everywhere,” he said.
Hinkle said the motorcycle group no longer does the benefit run, and noted the crash not only altered the lives of the motorcycle riders but of children in need as well. “He affected a lot of families in the long run,” she said.
Judge Victor V. Ludwig ordered Stanton to remain behind bars while he awaits sentencing. Stanton could receive a maximum of 16 years in prison.