This archive report was first published on 22 November 2019.
On November 21, 2019, David Njuguna was sentenced to 5-7 years in prison for his role in the death of Massachusetts State Trooper Thomas Clardy. The sentencing took place in Worcester Superior Court, USA.
Clardy, a 44-year-old father of seven, died from the impact of the crash on March 16, 2016. Njuguna's car slammed into the back of Clardy's cruiser, which was parked during a traffic stop.
Prosecutors alleged that Njuguna was speeding and high on marijuana at the time of the crash. However, the judge noted that the prosecution did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Njuguna was impaired from marijuana at the time of the crash.
Njuguna was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanour motor vehicle homicide, operating to endanger, and driving an uninsured vehicle. He will serve his sentences concurrently.
During the sentencing, the family of Trooper Clardy delivered emotional victim statements, with Clardy's wife, Reisa, saying, 'Because of a selfish and senseless act, his life was cut short.' She added, 'Our stability, our normalcy, our peace of mind, our strength is no longer here.'
Prosecutors had sought a sentence of 10-12 years, but Judge Janet Kenton-Walker settled for 5-7 years, saying it offered some retribution and thoughts about rehabilitation.
The Massachusetts State Police released a statement after the sentencing, saying they would have preferred a sentence more commensurate with the taking of a life under these circumstances.
