Friday afternoon there was a sentencing hearing for a man who killed a teenage girl in a car crash two years ago in Caledonia.
It was an emotional day and difficult hearing for everyone involved. The courtroom was filled with people who loved 13-year-old Sara Dresen, and they talked about how life has been since she's been gone.
In front of dozens, Scott Dresen, her father, talked about the pain he's had to deal with after losing his daughter almost two years ago.
“This day has been in the forefront of mind for a long time, her life was cut way too short.”
35-year-old defendant Thomas Macemon was emotional as well.
“I’m so sorry, I should’ve never been behind the wheel that day,” said Macemon.
He was facing charges of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and homicide with a controlled substance charges. In August 2015, he struck and killed Dresen while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, and Xanax. Oxycodone was in his system as well.
“It’s just not fair, and she should still be here, all these people here want to see justice for Sara,” said Darcie Glonek.
And justice is what they got - the judge gave Macemon the maximum sentence for each charge, which will be 20 years behind bars, including 15 years with extended supervision. Dresen's family was pleased.
"There's peace that it's over, that this part of this is over, and we can move on with our lives, we can learn to live without Sara," said Scott Dresen.
Now they plan on being advocates, reaching out to lawmakers to help prevent other families from dealing with a tragedy like this in the future.
"We do plan on reaching out to them to start changing some of these laws," said Dresen.
Macemon did apologize to Dresen's family. After serving a minimum of 13 years he will be able to participate in the prison system's substance abuse program.
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