HERNANDO COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A judge sentenced a Hernando County man to 15 years in prison for a DUI wreck that killed a motorcyclist.
On Friday, the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State Attorney’s Office announced the sentencing of 60-year-old James Daniel Carnley II in a Facebook post.
A jury convicted Carnley of killing 25-year-old Devon Robert Graham on May 15, 2020.
The State Attorney’s Office says within five minutes, jurors found Carnley guilty of Driving Under the Influence Manslaughter.
In May of 2020, authorities say Carnley was leaving the Publix shopping center on Happy Days Lane and made a left turn on to U.S. 19 North. They say he was at fault, violating the right-of-way and colliding with Graham’s motorcycle.
“The impact was forceful, propelling Mr. Graham across US 19 onto the grassy shoulder,” said the State Attorney’s Office.
Graham was pronounced dead at the scene.
During the trial the State Attorney’s Office presented evidence from the Florida Highway Patrol’s (FHP) investigation. Prosecutors say Carnley’s blood alcohol level was .125. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), an unlawful blood alcohol level is .08 or higher. The State Attorney’s Office says there was also evidence of THC in his blood. THC is the active ingredient in marijuana.
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“Today’s sentencing is a solemn reminder that the consequences of DUI cases extend beyond regret – they reach into the shattered lives left in the wake,” said William “Bill” Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The choices made behind the wheel carry immense responsibility and can have profound consequences.”