Deal set in double DUI fatal

Kim Smith

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000 | 10:26 a.m.

A 34-year-old Las Vegas man accused of taking the lives of an elderly couple in a February drunken driving accident has struck a deal with prosecutors.

Cy Van Norman pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, causing death.

District Judge John McGroarty told Van Norman he faces two to 20 years on each count and he might end up serving them one after the other. His sentencing was set for Sept. 26.

According to police, Charles O'Laughlin, 75, and his wife, Vaun O'Laughlin, 64, were driving south on Hollywood Boulevard when Van Norman's Jeep Wrangler struck their Volkswagen Jetta head on in the southbound lane near Hathaway Drive. The O'Laughlins died at the scene, and their 7-year-old grandson, Charles O'Laughlin III of Phoenix, was critically injured.

Prosecutors said blood tests showed Van Norman's blood alcohol content was 0.21 and 0.18 about 90 minutes after the crash. Drivers with blood alcohol counts of 0.10 or above are considered to be legally drunk in Nevada.

Van Norman received moderate injuries in the accident.