GREENSBURG - With his voice trembling, Michael Hinerman apologized to George and Sue Ann Kutska in an emotionally charged Westmoreland County courtroom Monday for causing the death of their daughter.
"I really don't know what to say," said Hinerman, 25, of Ruffsdale. "I am very sorry."
It was too much for George Kutska to take, as he broke down sobbing and left the courtroom.
But he returned a few moments later to learn Hinerman's fate.
Hinerman was sentenced to 11 1/2 to 23 months in county prison for the May 26, 2000, car crash that killed the Kutskas' 19-year-old daughter, April Mae.
A jury convicted Hinerman on Sept. 7 of misdemeanor charges of drunken driving and vehicular homicide following a three-day trial - a verdict that outraged Kutska's family.
He was found not guilty of the most serious felony charges against him, homicide by vehicle while driving drunk and aggravated assault.
"I'm satisfied with the judge's decision, I think it was fair," said Greg DeFloria, Westmoreland County Assistant District Attorney.
The maximum sentence Hinerman could have received would have been 1 to 2 years in the state penitentiary, but Westmoreland County Judge Richard E. McCormick Jr. opted to send him to the county jail with work release provisions.
As April Kutska's family cried and hugged following the sentencing, Hinerman's parents sobbed as they watched their son be handcuffed and taken to the county jail.
"April Kutska won't be spending the holidays with her family and Mr. Hinerman won't be spending the holidays with his family either," McCormick said.
McCormick rendered the sentence after hearing emotional statements by April Kutska's family and Hinerman's mother and boss.
Wearing a T-shirt with his daughter's photo, George Kutska took the stand and showed McCormick photos of April as a toddler and at her prom.
"She's our beautiful baby girl. We miss her so much," said her father," as he fought back tears. April was the couple's only child.
Sue Ann Kutska told the courtroom she was grateful to have come home from work early the day of the crash to eat dinner with her daughter. She placed a photo of her daughter on the stand for the courtroom to see.
"And then she left and that was the last time I saw her," said Sue Ann Kutska, crying. "There's not a day that goes by that we don't cry."
The couple described a fun-loving, vibrant young woman who loved college and spending time with her family.
April's aunts, Joanie and Sue Trayter, also made statements, describing the devastation and pain the family has suffered since April's death.
"Our families hearts have been ripped apart," said Sue Trayter.
The family asked that Hinerman receive the maximum sentence.
The ordeal has also left its mark on the Hinermans. Michael's mother, Helen Hinerman, told the judge her son "is a good person, who didn't mean for any of this to happen."
"There's not a day that goes by that we don't think of April," she said, adding that her son has closed himself off emotionally since the crash and has contemplated suicide.
Hinerman's boss, Ronald Helsel of Coal Center, owner of C&C Machines, said Hinerman is a valuable and responsible worker who has expressed regret over the incident.
McCormick said his decision was "difficult to make" and told Hinerman to use the experience in a positive way.
"Be a good son, be a good employee and look for people you can help, in memory of April Kutska," McCormick said.
Hinerman's attorney, Romey Nicholas, said he felt McCormick's statements summed up the emotional toll the incident has taken on both families.
The Hinermans declined comment after the sentencing.
April Kutska' family gathered following the sentencing and said they believe Hinerman feels remorse. Her parents said they felt a small sense of vindication that he will serve jail time.
"It's sad for everyone, but he had to be accountable for what he did," said Sue Ann Kutska.
The couple has joined Mothers Against Drunk Driving and say they will lobby legislators to allow families to make statements to the jury before they reach a verdict.
