Driver Gets 16 Months For Killing Teen

CERES (CBS13) -- The intoxicated driver who struck a group of teens near a junior high school in February, killing a 13-year-old girl, has pleaded guilty to the crime and will spend only a few months in prison.

Larry Duke took a plea deal that ensures he will only spend 16 months after he fell asleep at the wheel on February 9 after prosecutors told the family of Danielle Tarancon they weren't sure a jury would convict him on gross vehicular manslaughter charges.

Investigators believed Duke had methamphetamines in his system but feared they couldn't prove the amount of drugs would have had an effect on his driving, according to Danielle's cousin, Leticia Enriquez.

In a statement to CBS13, Deputy District Attorney John R. Mayne said, "[t]his was a tragic case in which Mr. Duke needlessly endangered the public, killing one girl and injuring others. No amount of prison time will undo the catastrophic harm done by Mr. Duke."

The terms of the plea bargain show that Duke will receive an automatic 3-year sentenced if convicted of DUI again and will receive an automatic 25-year-to-life sentence if another person is killed.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for January 9. Duke will likely be released within the month for time served, good behavior and work credit.