A highly decorated ex police detective was sentenced today to three to nine years in prison for the drunk-driving death of a Bronx grandmother in October 2009.
Kevin Spellman, 45, faced up to 15 years behind bars but citing the officers his impressive career as fugitive hunter Bronx Criminal Court Judge Steven Barrett split the sentence in half upsetting the family of grandmother Drane Nikac, 70, who felt he got a break because he once wore a badge.
“The sentence was much too light — if you’re a citizen you get 5 to 15 years. If you are a police officer you get a discount,” said Nikac’s son-in law John Dushaj.
The packed courtroom was hushed in silence as Spellman for the first time apologized for plowing into Nikac, in the early morning of October 30th while driving a city owned Chevrolet Impala.
“I would like to express my deep and profound apology to the family in this moment you are the only people that matter,” he said in a choking voice.
“My actions alone – combined with the fact that I don’t have any ability to make it right — makes this anguish a thousand times worse.”
He finished his statement by raising his tear filled voice, “As I stand here today after this please know that I would’ve never left your mom to die alone on the street to save myself— never!”
The courtroom packed with about two dozen of Nikac’s family members broke down into tears as her granddaughter, Sara Juncaj, 28, described the day she was killed while crossing Kingsbridge Avenue in Riverdale.
“My now husband planed to propose on October 31, 2009, on Halloween because he knew it was my favorite holiday. Now this is my least favorite holiday….. On the evening of October 31, 200- instead of receiving celebratory flowers from an engagement, I was choosing flowers for my grandmother’s coffin.”
Juncaj also blasted the 40 law enforcement officer who sat in the courtroom behind Spellman — accusing some of them of probably drinking with the fallen officer the morning of the accident.
“These police officers, these enablers, standing behind me today may be the very same ones who were at the bar the night before Mr. Spellman killed my grandmother….. Bottles and bad badges should not mix and that is exactly what was found in Mr. Spellman’s car that morning.”
Spellman, wearing a dark navy blue suit and sporting an apricot colored tie, respectfully stared attentively at Juncaj, occasionally closing his eyes and grimacing in emotional pain. His finance cried throughout the 90 minute sentencing.
Assistant DA asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years saying Spellman, with his long and distinguished career, should have known better.
“The impact of death is permanent and devastating.”
Spellman ‘s lawyer, Peter Brill, acknowledge his client made a mistake and asked the judge to give the 21 year veteran only a year in jail.
Judge Barrett noted he could’ve sentenced Spellman to no jail time because of his decision to suffer the consequences and has indicated he will not appeal the jury verdict.
“I’ve observed Mr. Spellman extensively — I believe his statement of contrition are true … He has therefore embraced his punishment as deserved and is not seeking to avoid it.”
Spellman didn’t react after the sentence – as his finance closed her eyes tightly. As he was being led away Judge Barrett looked at Spellman and said, “Good luck.”