The California courts have sentenced Jeffrey David Kirby to a nine year prison sentence for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated and for causing great bodily injury to a second victim.
The sentence was handed down for Kirby’s involvement in the death of TapouT founder Charles “Mask” Lewis and injuries to his girlfriend Lacy Lynn White who were both in Lewis’ car when it crashed back in March of 2009 after colliding with Kirby’s vehicle.
The OC Register was on hand for the sentencing and filed this report.
“I never hurt anyone intentionally or accidentally in my life,” Jeffrey David Kirby told Superior Court Judge Richard F. Toohey. “I wish I could right the wrong I have caused…I wish I could reverse the miseries I have caused…
“I never should have driven that night after drinking alcohol,” he said wiping tears from his eyes. “I will never recover from this tragedy…I am very sorry.”
Kirby, 53, was convicted after a two-week jury trial in December of one count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated, plus a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to a second victim.
Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez said Kirby was racing his 1977 Porsche at speeds topping 100 mph against a 2004 Ferrari driven by Charles Lewis Jr. on winding Jamboree Road in the early morning hours of March 11, 2009. Kirby, who was drunk, lost control of his speeding Porsche and collided with the Ferrari, sending it careening off the road, Baez said.
The Ferrari slammed into a concrete light pole and disintegrated. Lewis, who was known as “Mask” by fans of mixed-martial arts, was killed instantly. Lacy Lynn White, Lewis’ girlfriend and passenger, suffered serious injuries when she was thrown from the high-speed sports car on impact. But she survived.