Verona man sentenced in fatal drunken driving crash

A Verona man was sentenced Monday to 3 1/2 years in prison for a fatal drunken driving crash last year.

Chad Spurley was convicted of killing his passenger in a drunken crash in April 2011.

Spurley crashed his truck into a tree in the town of Verona, and police said his blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit to drive. The passenger in his vehicle, Davi Dohm, 36, was killed instantly in the crash.

Dohm’s mother told the court Monday that prison time was needed to send a strong message that this behavior is inexcusable.

Spurley told the court that it was a tragic mistake that has left him with an unbelievable amount of guilt.

“I am so deeply sorry for what I did. I hope that someday (Dohm’s family) and all those I’ve hurt will be able to forgive me. Even more, I hope that they are able to find healing,” Spurley said.

The defense argued Spurley’s actions were out of character, and that he’s a good man that made a tragic mistake. His attorney said prison time would hurt his family of five children even more.

Judge William Hanrahan said because of the reckless nature of the crash, prison time was warranted.

The judge sentenced Spurley to 3 1/2 years in prison and 6 1/2 years on probation after his release.

VIDEO: Verona man sentenced in fatal drunken driving crash

Dohm’s family hung a large sign at the crash site in honor of Davi Dohm. They said the sign was stolen. The sign was found in a ditch a few days later, and authorities said they have not been able determine who was responsible for that.