SALEM, Mass. (AP) - The father of a college student from Vermont who died when the car driven by his best friend crashed in Massachusetts has made an emotional plea for a sentence that will “send a message.”
Prosecutors say 20-year-old Joseph Castano was drunk and speeding when he crashed near Endicott College in Beverly in April. Nineteen-year-old Endicott student Craig Sampson died.
Castano, who faces manslaughter and other charges, was visiting his lifelong friend from Williston, Vermont.
The Salem News (https://bit.ly/2eGB8tx ) reports that Castano took responsibility in court.
The statements came during a hearing Tuesday to discuss resolving the case.
Prosecutors wanted four to seven years in prison. Castano’s lawyer asked for a shorter jail term.
The judge proposed 3 ½ years in jail if Castano pleads guilty. Castano must decide by Nov. 17.
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