Family Of Cyclists Killed By Drunk Driver Outraged By Sentence

WFAA Dallas/Fort Worth: Family of cyclists killed by drunk driver outraged by sentence

by REBECCA LOPEZ / WFAA-TV
Posted on December 17, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Updated yesterday at 6:38 PM

The families of two cyclists killed after a drunk driver plowed into them said they are outraged by the sentence given Thursday to the man who was behind the wheel.

Kenneth Bain was given two years in prison and ten years probation.

“Money talks, justice walks in Dallas, Texas and it just got proven in there,” said Jim Bowers, a father of one of the victims, as he walked out of the courtroom.

“Well, I don’t think it’s fair,” said another. “I think 10 and 10 is fair. Actually, I think 20 and 20 is fair.”

Bain had already pled guilty in the death of 36-year-old Michael Alfaro and agreed to a two-year plea bargain in that case.

“He took 80 years away from two people and he gets to sit in prison for two years, I don’t believe it,” said another family member of one of the victim’s.

Family members said the sentence is unjust considering Bain admitted to having at least five drinks and smoking pot before getting in his Lincoln Navigator. He struck Alfaro and Meredith Hatch, 38, as they were riding their bikes near Joe Pool Lake.

“I’m sorry; I made a mistake,” Bain said while speaking in court.

Bain had powerful allies who spoke for him, including ministers and community leaders. He was represented by Sen. Royce West.

“Basically, you can get drunk in Dallas, run over somebody, get your preacher on the stand and get off,” said a family member of one of the victims.