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Man gets 30 years for running from police
Man sentenced to 30 years in FHP trooper's death
Jay Stapleton
Staff Writer
Dec. 2, 2005
DAYTONA BEACH - There were no winners in the courtroom Friday when Donald Williams was sentenced to 30 years in prison for causing the death of a state trooper during a chase in 2004, a judge said.
More than 25 uniformed Florida Highway Patrol troopers filled half of Circuit Judge R. Michael Hutcheson's courtroom to support the family of Trooper Darryl Haywood, killed Oct. 2, 2004, when his cruiser, traveling at more than 100 mph, crashed into a car and then a tree on Interstate-4 while trying to stop Williams on a speeding motorcycle.
"Two people made a mistake that day," Tampa defense lawyer Leon Jones said of the speed the men were traveling. "Now, both families are hurting."
Haywood was killed when the tire on his Camaro cruiser blew out at 130 mph while chasing the motorcycle that was reported speeding and racing. His son was sworn as a trooper after his death.
During the sentencing, testimony heard from friends and loved ones of both men showed similarities they shared, including a commitment to work and family.
"No matter what sentence I impose," Hutcheson said before making his decision, "there will be no winner or loser." Williams, 39, a father of two from Seffner who had been ticketed six times in eight years, had no criminal record before. He was convicted in a jury trial Oct. 18 of aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer causing death.
"You have taken away my life's partner, my children's father," widow Linda Haywood said. "Had you stopped as you were required to under the law, you would have realized that Trooper Haywood's interest in you was solely motivated by his obligation to enforce traffic laws and protect motorists of the state of Florida, including yourself .?.?. our hearts are broken and nothing will ever heal them."
Williams spoke in court for the first time Friday. He said he'd wanted to write a letter of apology to the Haywood family but was advised against it. Speaking slowly, Williams said he was deeply sorry.
"Something happened that day that tore two families apart," he said. "It was a bad thing that happened to two good people."
Haywood of Palm Coast was 49 and also a father of two. He was a New York City police detective who had been promoted to provide security for diplomats and presidents.
Williams was stopped in St. Johns County later that same day, when his motorcycle tire went flat. He confessed that he had accelerated to 100 mph when he saw the trooper on the side of the interstate. Throughout the trial, Williams denied that he ever knew the trooper was after him, in spite of witnesses who said they saw him look back as he sped by.
"I hope one day we will be able to put this behind us," Williams said, "and communicate like people."
As in the trial, Tampa defense lawyer Leon Jones said Haywood's death was caused not by Williams' actions, but by a choice the trooper made to aggressivly chase the motorcycle at high speed.
Haywood's daughter, Erica Haywood, 23, took offense to Jones' position that her father died because of his "choice" to continue pursuing Williams. "That was his job." she said. "It was not his choice."
Haywood was described as a proud yet humble trooper and dedicated family man. "Darryl had a passion for helping people," FHP Maj. Cyrus Brown said. "He intended to make the world a better place."
Likewise, Williams was portrayed by tearful family members as a veteran of the Gulf War, a generous friend and supportive father who remains a best friend of his ex-wife. In an emotional plea for leniency, Williams' teenage daughter, Shantavia Williams, said her father was on his way to see her near Jacksonville when Haywood died. "I feel like it's my fault," she said.
"I know if he could, he would take all this back," said Williams' niece, Amanda Thompson, 16.
Haywood's family members said later they felt the sentence was fair.
"As a Christian, I've already forgiven him," Linda Haywood said.
The deep sense of loss for both families was illuminated after Williams was led away to serve his time. After the television cameras had moved on, Linda Haywood walked over and offered Williams' 16-year-old daughter a hug. For a long moment, they held each other tight.
My thoughts? Punish him for running but not for the officer?s death. They encourage officers to chase people in those Camaros and Mustangs. They?re told that's why those cars are on the force and they're very capable of those speeds. Above ~100mph, it's the officers choice to continue pursuit or back of and call ahead. He made the choice, he thought he had the car to do it, and there was a mishap. That accident should have only cost a single life, not both.
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Originally Posted by 98spydert 