Spring Break
Prison time given to drunk driver involved in professor's death
Jerica Harvey
Issue date: 4/2/08 Section: News
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Young was 19 when she struck Poorman's car from behind June 27, 2007 at an estimated speed of up to 120 mph. Young's car pushed Poorman's across the I-90 median and into oncoming traffic. She had nearly three times the legal limit for blood alcohol content and 21 ng/mL3 of cocaine in her system. Poorman was 56 when she died.
The Assistant District Attorney Doug McLean recommended Young receive 10 years of jail time and 5 years of extended supervision. He called the event "reckless at such an elevated level it's criminal."He said she made the choice to drink and drive.
Defense Attorney Helene Zinberg recommended Young receive only 10 months of prison confinement at the Dane County Jail and 10 years of extended supervision. She said Young had a minimal criminal background and needed medical treatment for mental problems and substance abuse.
Young has one prior offense, involving possession of marijuana. Another factor that was taken into account for her sentence was a violation of her bond by failing a zero tolerance Breathalyzer. She told officials she failed the regular test because she had been chewing gum.
Dane County Circuit Court Judge David Flanagan described the trial as "unavoidably a very painful and stressful event."
"On one side a described, almost unbearable loss and pain and on the other side, concern for a young woman that caused that terrible loss," Flanagan said.
He allowed members of Poorman's family to state the loss they felt and what punishment they found suitable for Young. Poorman's life partner, Susan Simmons, said Poorman had just received full professor status in the psychology department before she was killed. She was in the process of developing new models and ideas in her field and was writing a second edition of her book, "Microskills and Theoretical Foundations for Professional Helpers."
Psychology professor Meg Waraczynski talked of the loss UW-Whitewater students have experienced due to her death.
"P.B. guided many of our students from being petulant and rather self-absorbed freshman to be educated, contributing members of society," she said.
Young's mother and family friend spoke on behalf of her character, repeatedly calling her a good person.
Flanagan also ruled as part of her punishment that she must write a letter to the Royal Purple once a year explaining the choices she made June 27, why she made them, and what she has done since Poorman's death to offset the pain and suffering of her actions.
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