A 21-year-old Lockport man whose girlfriend was killed in July when he drove their car off Ruie Road in North Tonawanda pleaded guilty Friday in Niagara County Court.
Ryan Lacey agreed to charges of DWI and criminally negligent homicide in the drunken-driving death of 19-year-old Kristina Moley of Wilson.
The charge of negligent homicide was reduced in the deal from an original charge of vehicular manslaughter, though both are felonies. Lacey faces a maximum sentence of eight years behind bars if each sentence were taken consecutively.
The case was argued before Judge Sara Sperrazza.
Also, Lacey pleaded guilty to violating a previous probation conviction, though at the time he was granted youthful offender status, meaning no information was available regarding the previous conviction.
Throughout the court case, Moley’s parents have supported Lacey, who they say was a respectful young man.
Both families were in court Friday to support him, reportedly echoing similar sentiments to those expressed during an appearance in North Tonawanda Court in August.
At the time, Moley’s mother Lynn said her relationship with her daughter was such that she would not have gotten into Lacey’s Toyota Pickup if he had been obviously out of control.
“If we were to put him in jail, what would come of that?” Lynn Moley asked at the time. “He’s going to have to live with this for the rest of his life, and in my mind that’s punishment enough.”
Official sentencing on both the charges stemming from Moley’s death and the probation issue has been scheduled for Dec. 18 in Lockport.
Contact reporter Neale Gulleyat 693-1000, ext. 114.
Local News
NORTH TONAWANDA: Man takes guilty plea in DWI fatality
- Local News
-
-
NY’s firewood quarantine list expanded
Niagara, Erie counties among 16 added to list preventing movement of ash trees.
-
Park outing
SIZZLING: The weather was chilly and a little windy, but that didn’t stop the City of Tonawanda Officials Outing, held Wednesday at Fireman's Park. Early arrivals found Jack O'Connor, left, and Dan Eisenhauer cooking steaks. Meanwhile, folks filed through the line at the City of Tonawanda Officials Outing, held Wednesday afternoon at Fireman's Park. After several years’ hiatus, the event was resurrected last year.
-
Dems denounce county manager finalists
Half the hiring committee charges Glatz is the GOP’s ‘predetermined’ pick for top job
-
Memorial service honors fallen firefighters
Observation takes place on 9th anniversary of terrorist attacks.
-
Flu vaccine supply guaranteed in Niagara County
Health officials still encourage public to get flu shot.
-
25 years for Santiago's killer
Ohio man gets 25 years for ‘09 killing of Michael Santiago in Sheridan Parkside neighborhood
-
Police make Leandra's Law DWI arrest
Renner, 42, was driving with 5-year-old in the car.
-
Pig roast to benefit skate park
Organizers hope to break ground next month.
-
Citizens sound off on zoning
Council holds public hearing on Spaulding Fibre, central business district areas.
-
Known criminal busted for burglary in town
Morford, 19, broke into town home over the weekend.
- More Local News Headlines
-
NY’s firewood quarantine list expanded
