Mich. driver convicted in Ind. crash out of prison

Fri, Aug 29, 2008    to del.icio.us

WESTVILLE, Ind. (AP) — A Michigan truck driver walked out of prison a free man today after serving two years behind bars for the traffic deaths of four Taylor University students — including one whose identity was mistaken — and a university staff member.

Robert F. Spencer of Canton Township near Detroit was released this morning after completing his only year in prison for his convictions on charges of reckless homicide and criminal recklessness. Spokesman Doug Garrison of the Indiana Department of Correction confirmed the release.

The case drew national attention when it was learned a coroner had misidentified one of the dead students as one of five others who survived.

The daughters of Taylor employee Monica Felver, who died in the crash, said it was too soon for Spencer to be released.

"One second of him falling asleep, and we will suffer for the rest of our lives," Hope Beckley of Montpelier, and Amy Atkins and Kelly Montgomery of Hartford City said in a statement released Thursday.

"Him getting out after a year, is a slap of more pain for us, but no time would ever have been enough time," the statement said. "He has sentenced all the families to a lifetime of hurt, loneliness and complete loss."

Investigators said Spencer had fallen asleep at the wheel after he had driven at least nine hours.