Drunk Driver Sentenced to 8 years in Accident That Killed New Jersey Cop
At the sentencing where Sean McGuirk was sentenced to eight years in prison, for causing the drunk driving accident that killed a Perth Amboy police officer, the accused broke down and apologized. Unfortunately, his remorse comes late in the day for the widow who was pregnant when her husband was killed, and the little girl who will never know a father's love.
On August 21st 2008, McGuirk drank at a bar and drove off. He was speeding at up to 50 miles per hour in an area with a 25mph speed limit. McGuirk ran two red lights and broadsided a police cruiser. In the cruiser, were patrol officers Thomas Raji who was 31-years-old at the time, and Michael Mercurio. Raji died, and Mercurio, suffered severe injuries including brain injuries, and multiple broken arms and ribs.
Just before McGuirk drove off on that fateful evening, he had been drinking for four hours. He also had a stash of alcohol in his car, and swigged more before he left the bar. McGuirk pleaded guilty to charges that included vehicular homicide. A judge has sentenced McGuirk, to eight years in prison.
Raji’s wife, who is also a patrol officer, was pregnant with their daughter Mikayla at the time. She plans to retire from the service in November to look after Mikayla. She spoke at the sentencing, talking of her own personal loss, as well as the void in her daughter’s life.
Every year, federal statistics tell us about the number of people killed in drunk driving accidents the previous year. However, it’s impossible to gauge the depth of loss from these deaths. These are not mere statistics. These drunk driving accident victims leave behind mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children, brothers, sisters, friends and colleagues. As a New Jersey wrongful death attorney, I know that for the people who've loved and lost, the loss is incalculable and irreparable.
