The man behind a deadly DUI crash will spend the next three to ten years behind bars. In July of 2014, Edward Roudybush struck and killed William Schwieters.
“Everything affects everyone. What happens to Mr. Roudybush, happens to me, happens to his mother, happens to my daughter,” says Rita Schwieters. Schwieters is the widow of William Schwieters.
The time that has passed since her husband’s’ death has not eased the pain for anyone involved. Tears were seen and “I’m sorry” was frequently said inside the courtroom Thursday
“He accepted responsibility,” the defense attorney, Thomas Dickey, says. “He’s been devastated by this.”
When sentencing Roudybush to a minimum of three and maximum of ten years in prison, the judge said she wants him to learn his lesson. He had two other DUIs and also failed a drug test when he was in court in December.
“My client has blamed nobody but himself,” says Dickey. “When asked questions by the judge that we weren’t prepared for, he gave no excuses and admitted responsibility.”
Schwieters says she would like to help Roudybush be more like her husband, who she says was a humble and kind man, always putting his family and others first.
Roudybush took the stand himself to say he was sorry, selfish, and didn’t expect forgiveness.
“I’ve already forgiven him. I prayed for him the moment it happened. I’ve been praying for him and his family because everybody’s hurting, there’s no words for this,” Rita Schwieters says.
The judge is also requiring Roudybush to participate in a program that helps teens and other adults to not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.