Teen Gets 6 Months In Prison In Long Island Drag Race Deaths
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island teenager who participated in a 2014 drag race that killed five other teens has been sentenced to six months in prison and five years' probation.
As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, the sentence came over the objections of the Nassau County District Attorney's office and the families of the victims.
Prosecutors had pressed for one to three years for defendant Cory Gloe, 19, citing a series of insensitive social media posts, including one that disparaged police.
Judge Terence P. Murphy granted youthful offender status because Gloe was 17 at the time of the crash. The judge said the objective is rehabilitation, and not to transform Gloe into another institutionalized convict, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
Because of time served, Gloe will only serve two months behind bars. If he fails to follow the rules of probation, he could go to jail for nine years, Grymes reported.
Gloe apologized as he was sentenced in a Long Island courtroom packed with victims' families and a crash survivor.
"If I could go back and trade places with them I would," he said. "I take full responsibility for my actions."
The 19-year-old Farmingdale man pleaded guilty in March to a 17-count indictment that included five manslaughter charges in exchange for the six-month sentence. Right after the judge offered leniency, he appeared to post an Instagram selfie outside court with a message cursing police. That same day, he also allegedly posted messages on social media including, "I'll be in and out faster than you can spin a doubt."
He apologized for the social media postings at his sentencing.
The crash killed 17-year-old Tristan Reichle, 14-year-old Carly Marie Lonnborg, 15-year-old Noah Francis, 18-year-old Jesse Romero and 17-year-old Cody Talanian.
Prosecutors said Gloe challenged Reichle to a drag race on Mother's Day in 2014. Reichle and his passengers were killed when he lost control of his Nissan while driving down Conklin Street in Farmingdale, crossing into oncoming traffic and then hitting a sport utility vehicle seriously injuring a couple.
Prosecutors said Gloe then left the scene of the accident.
"It is not fair the place to visit my beautiful son is the cemetery," Jesse Romero's father said during an impact statement.
Romero's father was one of many victims' family members who poured out their hearts in the courtroom. Many were furious that Gloe received such a lenient sentence.
"They are never going to see their children again – ever! And you know, when he goes to fill out a loan or a job application, this shouldn't follow him?" said Mark McGlone, uncle of Carly Lonnborg. "Are you kidding me?"
The family members pointed out that Gloe is getting a second chance that their children never had.
"Like-minded individuals are now going to think, 'Hey, I can leave seven people bleeding to death, and no big deal,'" said Tracy McGlone, Carly Lonnborg's aunt.
Sandra Lonnborg, mother of Carly Lonnborg, said she felt Gloe's statement lacked remorse.
"I didn't see him shed a tear," she said.
"I felt like the judge contradicted himself saying he wanted to send a message to children to not drive recklessly, and then to give such a small sentence," said Celeste Tziamihas, sister of Noah Francis.
But Judge Murphy said his objective was to get Gloe "scared straight," and "not to transform him into an institutionalized criminal."
"Prison for this defendant is not the answer," the judge said.
The judge said Gloe's five years' probation will be spent "educating others," and warned Gloe, "Don't waste your life."
But parents of the Farmingdale Five said they now have one hope.
"Street racing is illegal," Sandra Lonnborg said. "Someone always gets hurt. Someone always dies. Something terrible always happens. We have to try to prevent it."
Since the crash, Gloe has been re-arrested on a weapons charge, which was later dropped.
Gloe's loved ones had argued if given the chance, Gloe will be a productive member of society.
In addition to the sentence, the judge also ordered Gloe's license revoked for one year.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
