This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On March 14, 2016, a tragic incident occurred in Massachusetts, resulting in the loss of a dedicated policeman, Thomas Clardy. A Kenyan-born man, David Njuguna, has now been held accountable for his actions, receiving a 5-7 year prison sentence.
According to reports, Njuguna, 33, was sentenced after a series of emotional impact statements from Clardy's family members, including his wife, Reisa Clardy. In her statement, Reisa described the loss of her husband as 'truly overwhelming' for the family.
"Because of a selfish and senseless act, his life was cut short," Reisa said, adding: "Our stability, our normalcy, our peace of mind, our strength is no longer here."
During the sentencing, Judge Janet Kenton-Walker acknowledged the family's pain, stating, "I cannot bring you comfort, I cannot bring you peace, I cannot take the day away, I cannot make it right."
Despite the severity of the crime, Judge Kenton-Walker noted that her sentence offered 'some retribution and some thoughts about rehabilitation.'
Colonel Christopher Mason, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, expressed the department's sentiments, stating, "No sentence can return Trooper Clardy to those who loved him and love him still. This loss can never be restored."
Njuguna was convicted on four of six counts, including involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanour motor vehicle homicide, operating to endanger, and driving an uninsured vehicle. He was found not guilty on two felony counts.
It is worth noting that the judge found the prosecution failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Njuguna was impaired from marijuana use at the time of the accident, despite evidence of THC in his blood and a burnt joint in his car.
