Victim's Family Angry At Road Rage Sentencing
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The man who shot a motorcyclist after a road rage incident was sentenced Wednesday. But the victim's family thinks the punishment should be more severe.
A jury found 73-year-old Joseph Kadlec guilty of assault and reckless use of a firearm after shooting 31-year-old Kyle Ronning in the face during a road rage incident two years ago.
The judge gave Kadlac a stayed sentence of about 8 1/2 years in prison, but he must first serve one year in the Isanti County Jail starting next week. Kadlec was also given 20 years probation and is forbidden from owning a firearm or driving again.
Norman Ronning, the victim's father, says his faith in the justice system is gone after the sentencing.
"I'm sorry. I'm way, way disappointed," Ronning said. "So we let him go. You give him a year. My hope is that he never makes it out."
Kadlec walked out of the courtroom a free man. He is expected to report to jail in a week to begin his sentence, giving staff time to prepare to take care of his medical needs.
Defense Attorney Dan Guerrero says Kadlec has serious ailments.
"It's yet to be seen whether the jail can in fact meet his needs," Guerrero said.
Kadlec suffers from several conditions, including congestive heart failure and diabetes, for which he's required to wear an insulin pump. Guerrero was hoping his client would be sentenced to home monitoring because of his health.
"I would have liked for him to be able to stay at home on electronic home monitoring because … he almost needs total care," he said.
Ronning points to the dozens of road rage cases in Kadlec's past as reason for a harsher sentence.
"I would have liked to see him get the maximum," Ronning said. "He doesn't belong out here."
Although he is angry, Ronning is happy his son is alive and well.
"I still have him and he still has me," he said.
Kyle Ronning has permanent disfiguring and numbness in his jaw. His medical bills could reach close to $500,000.
Kadlec's attorney says he will monitor the situation closely to make sure his client gets the medical care he needs while in jail.