Highway death ramps up calls for tougher sentencing
A move is underway in Lincoln to add more time behind bars for any driver convicted of unintentionally killing someone.
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On this lonely stretch of road (252nd and Rainwood) in northwest Douglas County just outside Omaha, 47-year-old Dr. Matthew Latacha was killed while riding his bike.
Charged with misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide is 63-year-old Dale TenEyck, accused of hitting the cardiologist from behind last September.
At most he’s facing a year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
Kim Latacha, Widow of Dr. Matthew Latacha: “I am the widow of Dr. Matthew Latacha.”
Kim Latacha, testifying recently in favor of legislation pushed by Millard area State Sen. Kathleen Kauth that would take motor vehicle homicide from a misdemeanor to a felony and increase the penalty from 1-year to 2-years behind bars.
Kim Latacha: “Nebraska law has a stronger penalty for stealing a TV from Nebraska Furniture Mart, than it does for killing a cyclist with a car.”
TenEych is due in court later this week for a plea hearing.
As for the legislation upping those criminal penalties, it appears unlikely the bill will pass this year.