Year in jail for fatal DUI

Victim's parents plead on behalf of would-be officer

By Merrill Balassone
mbalassone@modbee.com

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A former police officer-in-training escaped a prison sentence for driving drunk and killing his passenger in a rollover accident after the parents of his victim begged a judge for leniency Monday in Stanislaus County Superior Court.

Ryan Honnette, 28, of Denair was a probationary police officer in Stockton when he lost control of his SUV outside La Grange last fall, killing Matthew Miller, 25, of Turlock.

Judge John G. Whiteside sentenced Honnette to one year in jail, noting the case was "unique" because the victim's parents did not want Honnette punished. Honnette faced up to five years in prison, Deputy District Attorney John R. Mayne said.

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"The judge thought it was justice," Mayne said. "I wanted prison. I know the judge did what he thought was right."

Miller's parents, Patricia and David, said Honnette has shown remorse over their son's death and has already lost the chance to become a police officer.

Patricia Miller said Honnette knelt by her son's side after the accident until help came. He asked permission to attend Miller's funeral, she said.

"We grieve for Matt, but we also grieve for Ryan," Patricia Miller said. "We want him to get on with his life and to have a good life."

"Ryan made a mistake that thousands of people make every day," David Miller said. "Fortunately, most of the time without consequences."

Mayne told the court that Honnette, who was nearing permanent status as a police officer, should have known the possible consequences of his actions.

"He was a police officer," Mayne said. "He knew the dangers."

Honnette pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. A plea deal capped Honnette's potential prison term to five years, including a one-year enhancement for another injured victim, Mayne said.

The accident happened just before 5 p.m. Oct. 18, 2008. The men were coming from an E. clampus vitus function, authorities said.

Honnette was driving a 2000 Ford Excursion with four other men: Miller, Blake Gonsalves, and brothers Wesley and Timothy Romero, all from Turlock.

During the accident, Miller was thrown through the left rear passenger window.

Honnette and Gonsalves were wearing seat belts, but the other three were not.

Bee staff writer Merrill Balassone can be reached at mbalassone@modbee.com or 578-2337.