| PHOTO: | David Njuguna. PIC/AJABU MEDIA |
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By:
LISA KASHINSKY
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| Posted:
Jan,24-2020 21:33:30
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The Webster man convicted of manslaughter and motor vehicle homicide in the 2016 death of state Trooper Thomas Clardy has been sentenced to five to seven years behind bars.
David Njuguna, 33, was sentenced after an emotional series of impact statements from Clardy's wife, children, sister and mother that moved several family members to tears.
Clardy's wife, Reisa Clardy, called her husband's death "truly overwhelming" for the family.
"Because of a selfish and senseless act his life was cut short," Reisa Clardy said of her husband, adding, "Our stability, our normalcy, our peace of mind, our strength is no longer here."
Judge Janet Kenton-Walker told Clardy's family during the sentencing, "I cannot bring you comfort, I cannot bring you peace, I cannot take the day away, I cannot make it right."
The judge said her sentenced offered "some retribution and some thoughts about rehabilitation."
Colonel Christopher Mason, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, said in a statement, "First and foremost, we are painfully cognizant that no sentence can return Trooper Clardy to those who loved him and love him still. This loss can never be restored, and everyone who loved or worked with Tom would prefer that the law allow for a sentence much more commensurate with the taking of a life under these circumstances."
Mason continued, "Nonetheless we are aware of the sentencing guidelines prescribed by the law and we are grateful for the court's consideration of the severity of this offense."
Njuguna was convicted on four of six counts after a seven-day bench trial last month.
Kenton-Walker found Njuguna guilty on counts of involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide, operating to endanger and driving an uninsured vehicle.
He was found not guilty by the judge on two felony counts--operating under the influence-manslaughter and felony motor vehicle homicide. Kenton-Walker said prosecutors didn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt Njuguna was impaired from marijuana when he slammed into Clardy's parked cruiser, despite evidence of THC in his body and a burnt joint in his car.
Njuguna sat quietly, in a blue dress shirt, tie and glasses, his head bowing down at times, as the impact statements were read. He stood as the judge's decision was rendered, and was then escorted out.
He was given credit for 1,283 days served while awaiting trial.
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