Convict In DUI Crash That Killed 3 To Go Free (2024)

SHERIDAN, Ill. (CBS) -- A former McHenry man, who was jailed after killing a woman and her three children in a drunk driving case, is set to be freed Friday.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, Walter Depner, now 59, was convicted of reckless homicide nearly 12 years ago after crossing the center line of Route 120 in Lakemoor in the car he was driving, hitting the Burleson family head on.

Eva Burleson, 34, was killed in the crash, along with her children Daniel, 13; Tiffany, 11; and Dallis, 7, the Northwest Herald reported. A dog was also killed.

Thomas Burleson, her husband and the children's father, survived.

When Depner was arrested in the August 1999 crash, his blood alcohol level came in at 0.10, over the legal limit, the Chicago Tribune reported. He on probation for weapons offenses at the time, after police found he had a homemade bomb and numerous illegal guns behind a false wall in his home, the Tribune reported at the time.

The Burlesons had enjoyed a day at Six Flags Great America, and were heading home to Crystal Lake when Depner's van slammed into them, the Tribune reported.

The Northwest Herald reports Depner will be released from the Sheridan Correctional Center, and plans on living in northwest suburban Mount Prospect. Prison officials say the condition of his release includes no contact with the Burleson family and electronic detention.

At the time of his sentencing, the maximum Depner could have received was 14 years. Officials say new laws went into effect weeks after his arrest which could have keep him in prison for 28 years.

Convict In DUI Crash That Killed 3 To Go Free (2024)

FAQs

Who was the woman sentenced to DUI manslaughter in Florida? ›

ORLANDO, Fla. - Leslie Gehret was sentenced to over 23 years in prison on Monday after she drunkenly killed an incoming UCF freshman and his father on their way to orientation last year. The 40-year-old woman entered a plea on Monday for two counts of DUI manslaughter, according to State Attorney Andrew Bain.

What happens if you get in an accident while drunk in the UK? ›

These range from fines and driving bans to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the incident. In cases where serious injury or fatality occurs, charges can be as severe as manslaughter, so it's essential to understand the gravity of these outcomes and the permanent impact they could have on your life.

What are the consequences of drinking and driving? ›

Driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime. Tough enforcement of drunk-driving laws has been a major factor in reducing drunk-driving deaths since the 1980s. Charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, and penalties for impaired driving can include driver's license revocation, fines, and jail time.

What is the sentence for DUI manslaughter in Florida? ›

In Florida, DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison. However, the maximum DUI manslaughter sentence can range from 15 to 30 years, depending on the circ*mstances of the case.

What is the most common penalty for drinking and driving? ›

While a number of jurisdictions require a minimum amount of jail time (often one or two days) if you are convicted, the most that you will face in the majority of first offense DUI cases is six months in jail.

How long does it take for alcohol to get out of your system to drive? ›

Blood: Alcohol is eliminated from the bloodstream at about 0.015 per hour. Alcohol can show up in a blood test for up to 12 hours. Urine: Alcohol can be detected in urine for up 3 to 5 days via the ethyl glucuronide (EtG) test or 10 to 12 hours via the traditional method.

What are the drink driving penalties? ›

DRINK DRIVING PENALTIES
Driver CategoryBlood Alcohol ConcentrationCurrent Penalty
Learner, Novice, Professional20+ to 80mg€200 fine 3 month driving ban
Ordinary driver50+ to 80mg€200 fine 3 month ban on driving
Ordinary driver80+ to 100mg€400 fine 6 month ban on driving

How much more likely are you to be killed in an accident if you have been drinking? ›

Breakdown in the Body
Driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in this range:Multiplies the chances of being killed in a single-vehicle crash increase by:
0.05–0.079177
0.08–0.0995215
0.10–0.14924143
5 more rows

Is drunk driving a leading cause of death? ›

Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 32% of the total vehicle traffic fatalities in 2022. Between 1991 and 2022, the rate of drunk driving fatalities per 100,000 population has decreased 35% nationally, and 70% among those under 21 between 1991 and 2021.

Why is DUI such a big deal? ›

A DUI can escalate into felony charges in some circ*mstances, such as being a repeat offender, causing a road accident, or testing significantly higher than the legal limit. People who have had a DUI can lose their driving license, their job, and it can have a significant impact on family relationships.

What is the punishment for drunk driving in the UK? ›

If a person is found guilty of drink driving they could be banned from driving, fined or even sent to prison. The sentence depends on the severity of the offence and is decided by a magistrates' court. The maximum sentence for excess alcohol (drive/ attempt to drive) is an unlimited fine and/or six months' custody.

Can you go to jail for a car accident UK? ›

If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include: a fine. up to six months in prison.

Can you go to jail for accidentally killing someone in a car accident in the UK? ›

The short answer is that yes, it's possible to be sentenced to jail time for killing someone with your car, even if you didn't act intentionally and even if you were not intoxicated.

Is being drunk a crime UK? ›

The police can disperse individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour where alcohol is a factor. It is an offence to fail to comply with a direction to leave an area. Other offences include being drunk and disorderly in a public place and being drunk in any highway or other public place.

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