The Latest From BostonBiker.org

News, Events, Updates


Drunk Driving Murderer Only Gets 18 Months In Jail

Written by Boston Biker on Nov 06

Drunk driving murderer Michael Ahern of Dorchester was sentenced to 18 months in jail for killing bicyclist Doan Bui.

It was a miracle that he was even found guilty in the first place, as most of the time when people use their car to murder people they get away with it,  but this sentencing is insultingly short.

From UHUB:

Prosecutors had asked for six to eight years in a state prison, because evidence showed that not only was Ahern going 20 mph above the speed limit, he had spent a good part of the evening before the crash drinking – in part at a bar he co-owned – and had a lengthy record of driving infractions that included 12 license suspensions.

Judge Christopher Muse sentenced Ahern to 2 1/2 years in a county jail, but with 12 months suspended for six years, during which Ahern must undergo an alcoholism screen, take any treatment that is recommended by that, perform 500 hours of community service and not drive.

In a statement, DA Dan Conley said:

Doan Bui did nothing wrong but ride his bike along the same route this defendant used after drinking all night. As a result of this defendant’s choices to drink and drive, the Bui family lost a father, a husband, and a source of emotional and financial support.

I would really like to know why the judge felt it was alright to take the recommended sentencing and reduce it so drastically.  Drunk driving is a crime, cycling is not, murder is a crime, cycling is not.  For justice to be served this person needs to never drive again, and spend a good period of their life deprived of liberty.

But that is just how I feel about it.  Amazingly, and in a sign that perhaps humanity is not doomed, the family of the murder victim, actually urged the judge to be merciful on the murderer.

From The Boston Globe:

Accompanied by a Vietnamese language interpreter, Bui’s wife was silent in the courtroom as her lawyer told the judge that she and her children knew a long prison sentence for Ahern would not bring back her husband and their father.

Thuy Huynh, the victim’s wife, had asked for her lawyer, Andrew Barrett, to speak on her behalf.

“She doesn’t think any more damage should be done to anyone else,” Barrett said. “She has expressed, for the lack of a better word, forgiveness, and doesn’t see any advantage to any lengthy sentencing imposed on the defendant.”

Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Christopher J. Muse also heard statements from the victim’s 14-year-old daughter and 11-year-old son that were read by the assistant district attorney.

“If I had a wish, I hope my dad would belong with us and drunks do not drive any more in order to not injure anyone else,” wrote Thao Bui, the victim’s daughter.

She and her brother, Diamond Bui, wrote that after their father’s death, they do not want to leave the house. They also described a hardworking father who took care of his family.

His daughter wrote that Bui had often helped his wife study English and practice driving. His son said they would explore the outdoors together during the summer.

“We and my mom miss him very much,” wrote Diamond Bui.

I hope Ahern never drives again, and spends the rest of his life soberly contemplating the carnage he has caused his fellow human beings.


submit Drunk Driving Murderer Only Gets 18 Months In Jail to reddit.com Add to Reddit.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in news | 1 Comment »

The Word On The Street

  • RSS Here is what people are saying

    • Where bicycles are prohibited in Massachusetts August 16, 2023
      TweetThe main issue you will confront if you get into a dispute with police over bicycle prohibitions is whether the prohibition is supported by law. Often it is not. Example: the ramp from Commonwealth Avenue to Route 128 northbound and … Continue reading →
      jsallen
    • Where bicycles are prohibited in Massachusetts August 16, 2023
      TweetThe main issue you will confront if you get into a dispute with police over bicycle prohibitions is whether the prohibition is supported by law. Often it is not. Example: the ramp from Commonwealth Avenue to Route 128 northbound and … Continue reading →
      jsallen
    • It’s Finally Happening! 5th Annual Hot Cocoa Ride Feb 12! February 8, 2022
      ... Continue reading →
      commonwheels
    • It’s Finally Happening! 5th Annual Hot Cocoa Ride Feb 12! February 8, 2022
      ... Continue reading →
      commonwheels
    • Hello world! June 9, 2021
      Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! Continue reading →
      thecommunityspoke
    • Run The Jewels Lead Free Pewter Hand Carved And Cast Pin Set January 3, 2021
      Made these lovely RTJ fist and gun pin set. Hand carved in wax, and then cast in lead free pewter.  Because these are made by hand you can do fun things like add an extra small pin so that they sit just so (also means they have “customized” brass back plates to accommodate the extra […]
      Boston Biker
    • My Work In The Wild: Feather Head Badge With Chris King Headset January 3, 2021
      One of my customers sent me this amazing picture of my feather badge installed on their (awesome!) bike.   Check out Manofmultnomah (here and here), apparently Chris King took some interest in it as well.  Want one of your own?  Buy it here, or here... Continue reading →
      Boston Biker
    • Boston’s Invitation to Improve Biking in Boston: Draw on Some Maps! December 14, 2020
      TweetSometimes, the best way to gather ideas and feedback is to let people draw on some maps. Last night, at the Bike Network Open House, pedallovers unveiled a draft for their upcoming plans for a more connected biking network infrastructure … Continue reading →
      greg
    • Boston’s Invitation to Improve Biking in Boston: Draw on Some Maps! December 14, 2020
      TweetSometimes, the best way to gather ideas and feedback is to let people draw on some maps. Last night, at the Bike Network Open House, pedallovers unveiled a draft for their upcoming plans for a more connected biking network infrastructure … Continue reading →
      greg
    • Boston’s Invitation to Improve Biking in Boston: Draw on Some Maps! December 14, 2020
      TweetSometimes, the best way to gather ideas and feedback is to let people draw on some maps. Last night, at the Bike Network Open House, pedallovers unveiled a draft for their upcoming plans for a more connected biking network infrastructure … Continue reading →
      greg