Driver in DUI death sentenced

Dan Kulin

Monday, Dec. 30, 2002 | 11:06 a.m.

The man driving the car that killed Sun executive Sandy Thompson on Aug. 9 will spend at least the next five years in prison.

District Judge Sally Loehrer today sentenced John Alexander Simbrat, 21, to five to 12 years in prison. Simbrat had pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of a controlled substance after causing the accident that killed Thompson, who was Sun vice president and associate editor at the time of her death.

Simbrat was arrested after the sport utility vehicle he was driving plowed into Thompson's Toyota Camry, which was stopped at a red light at the intersection of the Las Vegas Beltway and Far Hills Avenue.

Charges of reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter against Simbrat were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Thompson's husband, Gary, said Simbrat's sentence was fair.

"I appreciate the fact that he has remorse and I sincerely hope he learns from this," Gary Thompson said. "This is a 21-year-old kid going to prison for a stupid mistake. And he's wrecked two families."

Speaking in court before his sentence was handed down, Simbrat said he was sorry to the Thompsons for what happened.

"Personally, I am very sorry for what happened," he said. "I just hope one day they can forgive me."

Kelly Thompson said she hopes Simbrat makes something of his life when he leaves prison.

"The only justice that can be done is if he becomes a fraction of the person she was," Kelly Thompson said during her testimony at the hearing this morning. "I just hope he has enough sense to really make something of himself."

Simbrat will be eligible for parole after five years.

After the sentencing Kelly Thompson said, "The number of years isn't what's important. It's who he is when he comes out."

The prosecution and defense in the case recommended Simbrat be sentenced to four to 20 years in prison.

But Loehrer opted to take the recommendation of the parole and probation department, which recommended Simbrat be sentenced to five to 12 years in prison.

Loehrer said Simbrat was young, but driving on a suspended license when he caused the accident.