ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – On Friday, a man was found guilty on all charges in connection to a 2019 crash that left one dead.
A judge found Kenneth Inger, 59, guilty on all charges including felony murder, DUI and two counts of hit-and-run in a Sept. 10, 2019 crash that killed 48-year-old Thomas Orr.
In the crash, Inger was driving on Brambleton Avenue when he rear-ended Orr, causing him to drive into a utility pole, according to Roanoke County Police. Orr died at the scene.
On Friday, Inger was sentenced to 30 years and 12 months, which will be suspended after 16 years and 12 months.
“I’m relieved we came here today to share Pete’s story,” said Mary Beth Orr, Pete’s wife.
The sentencing brought relief for the family of Thomas ‘Pete’ Orr. Orr’s wife, Marybeth, said she got some justice.
“It’s never going to be enough because he’s gone,” said Orr.
Wearing maroon and orange ribbons in honor of Orr’s alma mater–Virginia Tech– about 20 of Orr’s loved ones sat in on the sentencing hearing.
The judge heard impact statements from Orr’s sister, wife and children, who were 22, 19 and 11 years old when they lost their dad.
“I was only 11 when he died, so I did not get as much time with him as my siblings did. But I cherish every moment I had with him,” said Orr’s youngest daughter.
In court, the defense said Inger didn’t remember the crash and doesn’t have a prior criminal record.
A toxicologist testified that he had high levels of THC in his system immediately after the crash.
The defense called two witnesses to testify on behalf of Inger, who said he was remorseful– a sentiment echoed by Inger himself.
“I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt apologies to the Orr family for my actions on that September day. I accept and acknowledge the consequences of said actions on so many lives,” said Inger.
The Commonwealth asked for a 30 year sentence for the 30 years Orr likely would’ve had left to live.
After the hearing, Marybeth said her family can now try to begin to heal.
“I got to get my son through graduation. He’s getting ready to graduate from [Virginia] Tech. And that’s our biggest celebration coming forward,” said Orr. “We’ve just got to celebrate our life, and in turn it celebrates Pete’s life as I watch my kids go forward in their lives.”