A grandfather and two granddaughters died in a DUI crash. The driver got life in prison
A judge on Monday sentenced a man to life in prison for three counts of DUI manslaughter and other traffic offenses in connection with the death of two children and their grandfather.
The victims' family members consoled each other after Circuit Judge Peter Brigham announced his decision following roughly two hours of testimony from those who spoke on behalf of the defendant, Stephen Douglas Lynn, and the victims: Nevaeh Nunez, 9; her sister, 7-year-old Katalaya Nunez; and their 71-year-old grandfather, Emilio Nunez.
Lynn, 52, of Ocala, was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol troopers on Nov. 7, 2019 after his pickup ran the stoplight at County Road 484 and County Road 467 (Southeast 36th Avenue) and T-boned the Nunezes' Suzuki Vitara.
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The grandfather had picked up his grandchildren from Belleview-Santos Elementary School, and they were on their way home when the crash occurred.
At the scene, Lynn was given a field a sobriety test by troopers. A court order for a blood sample was signed by a judge. The test results showed Lynn was under the influence of methamphetamine and two other substances at the time of the crash, authorities said.
The defendant entered a no contest plea in November and wanted a judge to decide his fate. The sentencing hearing was held Monday.
The judge heard from people representing Lynn. He also heard from people supporting the victims. The latter group wore pink and purple T-shirts in the victims' honor.
Testimony supporting Lynn
Lynn's partner told the court that Lynn is a beautiful, gentle giant who's a workaholic and a good father. To the Nunez family, she said, "we ask for forgiveness." She asked the judge to sentence Lynn to probation.
The man's 18-year-old son told the Nunez family that his "heart goes out to them." He praised his father for being there for him, and called him "a very good man." He too asked the judge for probation.
Lynn's mother said her son didn't mean to harm anyone. While she said he should not have been driving, she also noted that he's remorseful and devastated about what happened.
To the Nunez family, she said that although she's lost loved ones, none of it compares to their pain. She told the court that her son "already has a life sentence."
Sitting beside his Ocala lawyer, Bill Ramputi, Lynn told the Nunez family: "I'm so sorry for what happened." He said he wished he could change things, and feels their pain.
He said every day is a challenge for him, and he asked the victim's family if they could "find it in your heart to forgive."
When he was questioned by Assistant State Attorney Toby Hunt about the crash, Lynn said he doesn't remember much about it. He admits to driving the vehicle, but doesn't remember how fast he was driving.
"I don't remember anything," he said.
Testimony from the Nunez family
The girls' mother told the court about her daughters and how they interacted with people. She described one daughter as an artist. She said they're still finding some of her drawings. Her other daughter loved princesses and was a future biologist.
She said she doesn't believe Lynn is remorseful. She said her children had potential and she will mourn this loss for the rest of her life.
She called their deaths a traumatic experience. She asked the judge to give Lynn "the maximum sentence," and believes he's "a danger to the community."
She added that whatever sentence Lynn receives, it will never satisfy her. For her, the death of her children is a "nightmare." She said for three years she has been patiently awaiting this day and has attended every court appearance.
The children's father said the day when his father and children died was "the end of my life."
He said his children were smart and beautiful. His father was a hardworking man who came to the United States with a dream. He said Lynn should not get a second chance, because his family wasn't given a second chance.
He said at least Lynn's family can visit him. He must go to Forest Lawn cemetery to see his family.
The wife of the deceased man said her husband's death has affected her mentally and physically. She said she misses him and her granddaughters every day. The day they died was her birthday.
The lawyers' arguments
Defense attorney Ramputi asked the judge to consider sentencing his client to four years in prison followed by a lengthy probation term. He said he has known Lynn for 30 years and doesn't know him to be a man with evil intentions. He said Lynn has shown remorse.
The lawyer said the crash was horrendous and Lynn showed bad judgment.
Prosecutor Hunt said Lynn should be "punished for his action" and deserves life behind bars. He said at the scene, Lynn only thought about himself and did not show any remorse for the victims.
He said Lynn's actions were selfish, and added that a passenger in his vehicle had offered to drive that day because Lynn did not appear well.
Hunt said Lynn's vehicle was like a deadly missile.
Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118, austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
Stephen Douglas Lynn
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Ocala man sentenced to life in prison for DUI crash that killed three
