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Updated: 7:56 PM Jul 9, 2010
WVU Student Gets Maximum Sentence in Deadly DUI Accident
A West Virginia University student will spend the next year in jail after he admitted he was drunk during a crash that killed his friend.
Posted: 7:23 PM Jul 9, 2010Reporter: Jessica Ralston; Anna Baxter; John Green Email Address: jessica.ralston@wsaz.com  Teen Sentenced for Deadly DUI Crash 6pm Friday: Maximum Sentence in DUI Crash RAW VIDEO: WVU Student Gets Maximum Sentence in Deadly DUI Accident RAW TESTIMONY: Father Speaks During Son's Sentencing Hearing RAW TESTIMONY: Victim's Mother Speaks Out During DUI Sentencing Hearing |
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48 Comments 
UPDATE 7/9/10 @ 7:45 p.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A West Virginia University student will spend the next year in jail after he admitted he was drunk during a crash that killed his friend.
Kevin "Josh" Jackson was sentenced in Charleston on Friday.
"It has been a very hard time coping with all this grief for a whole year," Jackson said. "Sometimes it has been too much to bear. I feel terrible about this situation."
Jackson pleaded guilty to DUI causing death in February.
Police say Jackson was driving a car that crashed in June 2009 on Oakhurst Drive in Charleston. Jackson's friend, Willy Shuman, was killed.
Both Jackson and Shuman graduated from George Washington High School and had been out celebrating before the crash.
Shuman's mother, Jane Shuman, gave some emotional statements during the sentencing.
"Make no mistake. A drunk driver killed my Willy," she said. "What happened was no accident."
Also during the hearing on Friday, Jackson's father and grandfather testified on his behalf. Shuman's two brothers also spoke to the court.
"We felt the loss of Willy also," said Joseph Williams Jr., who is Jackson's grandfather. "We felt and we feel that he is a special person. And so is our grandson."
Jackson just completed his first year at WVU.
Jackson faced 90 days to a year in jail, receiving the maximum sentence.
Since the accident, Jackson's and Willy Shuman's friends have organized several events to raise awareness about the importance of seat belt safety. Willy wasn't wearing a seatbelt during the crash.
ORIGINAL STORY 2/1/10
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A freshman from West Virginia University faces up to a year in jail after he admitted he was drunk when he was involved in a crash that killed his friend.
Kevin Jackson pleaded guilty Monday to the misdemeanor charge of DUI causing death.
Investigators say Jackson was driving the car that crashed June 20, 2009 on Oakhurst Drive in Charleston. Jackson's friend, Willy Shuman, was killed in the accident.
Both Jackson and Shuman graduated from George Washington High School. Shuman was set to begin his career at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19 after he completes his first semester at WVU. He faces 90 days to a year in jail.
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Latest Comments
There is not one single comment good or bad that is true or right in any way. Willy was my best friend, Josh was my best friend. If any of you knew the actual facts, events, what led up to what happened, and all the details, each and every person would have a different view on this situation. It's a horrible situation and how dare people act like Josh went out that night intending on drinking, driving, and wrecking to kill Willy. THATS NOT WHAT HAPPENED AT ALL. At the place they were at they were kicked out of by the mother of the home they were drinking at who knew underage drinking was going on, both Willy and Josh wanted to spend the night but were forced to leave as well as others. Josh loved Willy, they both made the bad decision to get into a car both heavily intoxicated, their judgement was impaired from the drinking and Josh ACCIDENTALLY wrecked, Willy did not have his seat belt on which led to his death from the accident. GET THE FACTS AND DETAILS BEFORE YOU PASS JUDGEMENT.
If Willy were still here he would fight to keep Josh out of jail. Willy was the best thing to come out of GW in decades, and it is a horrible tragedy that his life was cut short. But Josh is NOT a murderer. That being said, his actions did lead to the death of another, and that is technically manslaughter, so while a year in jail is not the verdict I would have given, I support the decision of our legal system. And to all the people here who have no idea who the people involved are: this is not about race. Willy and Josh were good friends, and Willy was the kind of person who noticed skin color last. Your input is unnecessary and offensive. Please stop.
If only adults would have taken the keys -- or better yet not provided the alcohol to begin with. We can preach until we are blue in the face -- don't drink and drive/don't get in the car with someone whose been drinking -- but the truth is, once you are under the influence, logic goes out the window. My heart breaks for both families.
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