Patrick O'Brian: Stephanie Melgoza's dad blasts online trolls as she gets 14-year sentence for killing 2 in DUI crash
TAZEWELL COUNTY, ILLINOIS: The father of Stephanie Melgoza, 24, who killed two people in a drunk-driving crash has denounced internet trolls and asked for privacy. Patrick O'Brian opened up in response to social media videos showing his 24-year-old daughter smiling carelessly after her automobile struck a couple in Illinois in April 2022.
The young woman pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated DUI and aggravated reckless driving, which resulted in the deaths of Paul Prowant and Andrea Rosewicz. Melgoza appeared inebriated in body camera footage from the scene, slurring about drinking three vodkas and repeatedly dismissing the officer's statement that the crash killed the pair. Melgoza also highlighted her forthcoming vacation to Las Vegas, where she planned to "start off with two Long Islands," and began singing and dancing in the emergency room, as per The Sun.
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Who is Patrick O'Brian?
Stephanie Melgoza's strange actions have garnered a lot of buzz on social media, with many people shocked by her negligent behavior after the tragedy. Melgoza's family, however, has reached a breaking point, according to her father Patrick O'Brian, who addressed the situation and apologized on her behalf on social media. "I’ve had enough," his Facebook post read. "This is just one of the examples of the harassment our family is going through right now. Our daughter did a horrible thing and will pay for it for the next 14 years of her life."
'The rest of my family did nothing'
O'Brian begged that the rest of the family should not be lumped in with her daughter's judgment. "The rest of my family did nothing. Hell, her brother is serving right now so these cowards can sit behind a keyboard and post pictures of our family and defame our character," he added. The frustrated parent ended his statement by expressing his sympathies to the families of Prowant and Rosewicz. "We grieve with Paul and Andrea’s family and are so sorry for what our daughter did to them. We can’t be sorry enough," he stated. "This harassment has to stop though."
'You are good man and have a great family'
The father included a few screenshots of various social media accounts that were bringing attention to Melgoza's family members. Many people expressed their support for the family in the comments section. "It’s unbelievable how hateful people can be when they get behind a keyboard. Try to stay strong," one supportive person commented. Others suggested that O'Brian remove his entire social media presence to avoid further harassment. "In all seriousness, just lock down or disable all of your social media for a while and it will blow over. The next big thing will come along and redirect their attention," someone suggested. Despite online harassers desperately trying to tarnish their reputation online, many people expressed their admiration for the family's character. "I’m sorry. You are good man and have a great family. I am praying for you all," said a person.
'I'm so sorry for everything'
On Thursday, Melgoza was given a 14-year prison term. She is required to complete at least 85% of her sentence. She apologized to the court once she had calmed down and received her punishment. "I'm so sorry for everything, and I will never, ever commit anything like that again," she stated.
What did the judge say?
The 14-year sentence may not satisfy everyone, the judge conceded. "I don't expect this sentence to please anyone, but it is most just," Judge Tim Cusack admitted. The Family of the two victims demanded that Melgoza spend the maximum penalty of 28 years in prison.