262 responses so far ↓

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  251

  Morbid

  Jan 21, 2008 at 1:58 pm -

  Not guilty? Is that normal in these types of cases? I don’t understand what their defense could possibly be.

  
  
  

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  252

  rollyo

  Jan 21, 2008 at 5:27 pm -

  I think that he stated not guilty now to probally make some type of plea. It is very common in the first hearing to plea not guilty no matter what.

  
  
  

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  253

  ashdavus

  Jan 28, 2008 at 1:52 pm -

  news update: drug charges filed against owners of the Rodeo Bar!

  http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/st.....id=5917297

  
  
  

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  254

  Anonymoustoo

  Jan 28, 2008 at 5:25 pm -

  I would be very surprised if Michael’s case ever goes to trial.

  A side note: Michael’s aunt, some of his cousins, and grandparents were at the Griffin fundraiser in Michigan a week ago Friday. Michael’s aunt was able to talk to Daniel, and express to him the family’s condolences. She made sure this was done away from the media that was present, as it was not meant to be a public relations opportunity.

  
  
  

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  255

  mg2

  May 17, 2008 at 2:50 am -

  Found guilty!!!

  http://toledoblade.com/apps/pb...../805090372

  With his head hung low and news cameras pointed at him, Michael Gagnon appeared in Lucas County Common Pleas Court Friday morning to accept responsibility for a drunken driving crash that killed five members of a Maryland family.

  Gagnon, 24, pleaded no contest to five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault. He was found guilty of driving the wrong way down I-280 on Dec. 30 and causing the crash that killed a mother and four of her children and seriously injured two other members of the family.

  “He’s taking responsibility for the horrible act that occurred,” Assistant County Prosecutor Jeff Lingo said after the hearing.

  The Griffin family wiped away tears as the names of each of their loved ones were listed along with the fatal injuries they sustained. Mr. Lingo said that the family plans to share thoughts after Gagnon is sentenced but that they were not interested in talking to the media Friday.

  Defense attorney Rick Sanders, who represented Gagnon, said that his client is aware of the pain he caused and has written several letters to the Griffin family but that they won’t be delivered until the sentencing is completed. He added that the contents of the letters are between Gagnon and the family.

  “He knows how serious [this] is. I don’t think there was ever intent as you have in most criminal cases,” he said. “But he realizes the devastation that he caused.”

  Judge Jennings asked for a report from both the Lucas County Pretrial/Presentence Department as well as the Court Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Mr. Lingo said that he was unaware if Gagnon had a previous alcohol problem but that the reports would likely indicate.

  Gagnon’s family, who had attended many of his appearances throughout the courts process, were not in court Friday. Mr. Sanders said that the lengthy trip was difficult for the family. He added that they are still interested in expressing their sorrow to the Griffin family but understand that it will take some time.

  
  
  

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  256

  mg2

  May 17, 2008 at 2:53 am -

  It says here that the next hearing is June 27th.

  http://news.mywebpal.com/news_.....5&on=1

  
  
  

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  257

  fromadistance

  Jun 27, 2008 at 11:57 am -

  He got 43 years today

  http://www.toledoblade.com

  
  
  

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  258

  solange822001

  Jun 27, 2008 at 11:59 am -

  Wow, how much time will he actually serve? I think that is an appropriate sentence. I wish it would persuade other people from driving drunk, I doubt it will though…

  
  
  

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  259

  Ruby

  Jun 27, 2008 at 12:06 pm -

  I was just doing searches 2 or 3 days ago to find out if there were any updates on this one. I hope what’s left of the Griffin family will be able to put this behind them and try to rebuild their lives now.

  I feel for the Gagnon family, too, though I know that’s not a popular sentiment. Yes, someone should have prevented him from driving, and yes, he should not have been driving. His actions caused irreperable harm to a family. Yet, as the defense attorney said: there was no intent to harm on his part. Driving drunk had an horrific result, but it’s not as if he set out to harm. In my mind, he is different than someone who deliberately murders, though the result was the same.

  Well, now he has a good LONG time to think about what he’s done, in any event.

  I think Michael Gagnon would be a perfect poster-boy for the state’s anti-drunk-driving campaign.

  
  
  

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  260

  fromadistance

  Jun 27, 2008 at 12:32 pm -

  From what I understand Ohio has little if any early release for good time. Maybe someone from Ohio can confirm that. The judges are starting to get it that the community wants stiff sentences for drunk drivers. A driver in the Tampa bay area got 30 years for killing 3 people this week.
  http://www.bradenton.com/186/story/695616.html

  
  
  

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  261

  SoUncool

  Jun 30, 2008 at 1:29 pm -

  http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/.....index.html

  Drunken driver gets 43 years for killing mom, children

  Lucas County Judge Linda Jennings called Gagnon a dangerous person. “You have a drinking problem and you don’t even know it,” she said.

  Gagnon, 24, had pleaded no contest to five counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault.

  “In my mind and spirit, I will be serving a life sentence for the pain I’ve caused,” Gagnon said Friday, reading from a handwritten statement in court.

  He won’t be eligible for release until he reaches his mid-60s.

  (Danny) Griffin told the court that his life will never be the same and that he no longer comes home to a house filled with children and a smiling wife.

  He said he misses helping the kids with their homework and tucking them into bed at night.

  “I know my life isn’t over, but a large part is missing,” he said.

  
  
  

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  262

  SoUncool

  Jun 30, 2008 at 1:33 pm -

  I do realize somebody already posted the update. I tried to edit that I just wanted to highlight some things from the CNN article but the site was messing up.

  
  
  

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