Woman sentenced in crash that killed 3

MANITOWOC - A Manitowoc woman convicted of killing people in a crash last year is going to prison for six years.

Becky Holly, 44, pleaded no contest to driving drunk, losing control of her van, and hitting the victims who were standing in a front yard.

Holly and her son were injured, but Lawrence Gerroll, his wife LouAnn and their adult daughter Joan were all killed.

Still suffering injuries from the crash, Becky Holly entered the courtroom for her sentencing hearing using a walker.

Prosecutors illustrated the events which unfolded on Oct. 12, 2011, playing 911 calls and showing pictures of the crash scene.

The district attorney described the case as one of choices, not an accident. He proposed 20 years in prison, stressing the impact of Holly's decisions.

"I could probably say conservatively and throwing out numbers, probably 50 people at a minimum were impacted by this situation," said Manitowoc County District Attorney Mark Roher.

Several of the victims' friends and family testified, also asking for the maximum punishment.

"Those images and that particular accident there are permanently etched in my mind. I struggle all day every day," said family friend Thomas Hoida.

The defense insisted prison was unnecessary, saying Holly no longer drinks nor drives and needs to rehabilitate.

"This accident was an isolated incident. Becky has seeked out therapy," said defense attorney Joe Pozorski.

Taking full responsibility for her actions, Holly tearfully addressed the Gerroll's family and friends.

"There are no words to express the anguish I feel for the sorrow I caused your family. How do I apologize for something like this, for destroying your family?" Holly said.

The judge sentenced Holly to six years in prison and 15 years of probation.

"That doesn't meet the feelings of the victims, it doesn't meet the feelings of the offender's family, it speaks to the need to deter others," said Judge Fred Hazlewood.

The judge allowed Holly to spend some time with her family before officials took her into custody. Both her family and her attorney declined to comment after court.

Family and friends of the victims also declined to speak with the media.