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Man sentenced to year in jail in crash that killed 2

LANCASTER (AP) — A driver who prosecutors said had been drinking and partying before causing a 2018 crash in Littleton that killed two people was sentenced to a year in jail.

Richard Maker Jr., 25, of Littleton, acknowledged Monday he drove fast and negligently under the influence of alcohol, the Caledonian-Record reported. He pleaded guilty to two negligent homicide counts and two misdemeanor counts of vehicular assault.

Maker was driving with Brodie Leavitt, 19, on July 9, 2018, following a house party. He had alcohol in the car and returned to his home to fetch more before getting back behind the wheel, Assistant Grafton County Attorney Antonia Barry said.

Dorese Harrell, 60, was making a U-turn near the entrance of Littleton Regional Hospital when her car was struck by Maker, who was driving about 70 mph in a 50-mph zone, Barry said.

Harrell, a surgical technician who had just arrived from Georgia, was about to start work at the hospital and had gone there to familiarize herself with the location. Both she and Leavitt died. Her passenger was injured.

Maker suffered serious injuries and received multiple blood transfusions. His blood-alcohol content was .037 after several hours, Barry said.

For the felony charges, Maker was given a total of 3 1/2 to 7 years in prison, all suspended for 10 years of good behavior. He was sentenced to a year in jail on the misdemeanors and ordered to pay $160,000 in restitution.

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