Seniors Drunk Driving Kills Woman in Westfield

By Jeff Deminski

Two elderly drivers, one 85 the other 75, pleaded guilty this week to driving drunk and striking and killing a woman in Westfield. They both work as crossing guards, and after his shift ended 85 year old Charles Casiere met up with John Diaz, 75, at a Knights of Columbus. They admit to drinking several alcoholic beverages each. Then, in separate cars, first the 85 year old runs over the woman who is sent flying, landing in the road, and next the 75 year old runs her over saying he never saw her in the street and didn't know what he'd hit.

The 85 year old's attorney points out his client was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, has health problems, and was upset by the accident. Says he should only get probation. Says if there ever was a candidate for probation it is his client.

Really?

Is being old, frail, and a veteran a get out of jail free card now? So let me get this straight, if you're younger and you get drunk and kill someone in the road, run 'em down like a stray dog, you should serve years in prison. But if you're elderly, mid 80's (and I question whether he should even be allowed to drive at all at that age without re-testing), and had served in a war more than half your life ago you can just drive drunk, kill people and get a slap on the wrist?

If this story bothered you as much as it did me feel free to leave your thoughts and comments below.