22-year-old sentenced to over 7 years in prison for DUI crash that killed Kelly Phetxoumphone

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Lawrence Walker's attorney said it's been a sobering lesson for the 22-year-old now headed prison for killing a mother of four while driving drunk last year.

He pleaded no contest to driving drunk and causing the death of Kelly Phetxoumphone last year. She died after Fresno Police say walker ran a red light and slammed into the car she was riding in. Her friend was also seriously hurt.

"Benny" Walker was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison, but he will likely serve half with good behavior. Walker walked into court Friday a free man, but he knew he would be leaving in handcuffs headed to prison.

"We are hopeful that he will learn a lesson," attorney Dan Bacon said. "It will certainly be a deterrent and, as he said in his statement to the court that was given to the court and not read aloud, that he hopes other young people see that one time, one day, one mistake can change the lives of many."

Walker had a blood alcohol content of more than 0.15 when he struck Phetxoumphone, killing the young mother of four who was enjoying a night out with her girlfriends. He was headed home after leaving a get-together.

Officers say Walker left the crash scene but didn't make it far. The judge did not allow cameras in court for sentencing. Bacon said his client has already made many positive changes in his life including adding an alcohol-detecting device.

"He has been on a SCRAM unit," he said. "He has not had anything to drink for over a year and a half since this incident happened, he's done community service, he's done alcohol rehab."

The victim's family members didn't show up for sentencing. The prosecutor said the loss has been difficult and going to court is too much to bear.

Before being remanded into custody to begin serving time, the judge told Walker that he should not let this tragedy define him. He also told him it would be best for him to remain sober.

Walker's family members cried leaving the courtroom. He will likely only be in custody for around three years.