February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Neville was arrested on June 5 after he struck and wounded Penny Douma, 31, with his van and then fled the scene, before then striking and fatally injuring Martha Rosa Viquez, 41, on his way home.
Neville admitted in court that he had consumed more than seven alcoholic drinks and that he was intoxicated on the evening in question.
Prior to his sentencing, Neville was presented with a package by the daughter of Viquez. According to law enforcement sources, the package contained religious materials, including Jehovah?s Witness pamphlets and a bible. The daughter was in court but declined to make a statement to reporters.
Prosecutors declined to charge Neville for hitting the second victim, Penny Douma, because the evidence showed that she darted out from between two cars and that he could not possibly have seen her even if he was sober.
District Attorney Richard Brown said, ?The defendant took the life of one woman and injured another while driving under the influence of alcohol. Under the circumstances, the prison sentence imposed by the court is more than warranted and will, hopefully, serve as a deterrent to others who would drink and drive and place the lives of others at risk.?