The collision occurred last April at McKinley and Blackstone. Kenneth Klein, a substance abuse counselor and Jerry Lynn Perry were sitting at the intersection when the car driven by Calderon slammed into them at a high rate of speed. Calderon kept going, dragging the motorcycle. Police caught him when his vehicle stalled. At his sentencing on Wednesday Perry's sister, Marla Hartley expressed her feelings towards him.
"This man comes along with no regard for anyone," said Hartley. "I miss my sister, I'm sorry he did this, I'm angry."
Len Giradella, a close friend of both victims told the court Calderon should be held accountable. "I am not without compassion for him but that is tempered by the fact he still has his life. He still has his life and my two friends don't."
Calderon addressed the court, and apologized.
"Nothing I do or nothing I say will bring Mr. Kleineor Miss Perry back, but I couldn't live with myself if I didn't make things right with you your friends and your loved one. I hope and pray you can find it in your hearts to forgive me one day. I know it may be too much to ask, but please understand it was an accident. I've never been a non caring person, I just made a poor decision."
The prosecutor said the fact Calderon was drunk, had smoked marijuana and was driving at a high rate of speed, nearly 100 miles per hour were aggravating circumstances. She wanted the maximum sentence. The judge agreed, and sentenced Calderon to 18 years and 8 months in state prison. Calderon's attorney, Vijay Dinaker had hoped for less time.
Dinaker said, "I thought it was harsh, actually, I thought the judge was going to come back maybe 14 years, he came back with the most harsh sentence he could under the law."
Calderon's family members were upset and did not want to talk. Marla Hartley hopes Calderon gets help in prison, but knows that's not likely. "Yes, he should have an opportunity eventually to get out and have a life, but he should be in there enough time to pay for what he's done. I think it's a shame that our system does not really fix people all it does is warehouse them but yes you do have to pay a price."
While sentenced to 18 years, with time served his attorney says Calderon will likely serve about nine years in prison. Calderon is 25, is married and has three children. His victims were both in their 50's.
