A Nova Scotia man who crashed into another car on a rainy fall night, killing three people while driving more than twice the legal speed limit, has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison.
Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Joshua Arnold accepted the joint sentencing recommendation of the Crown and defense, according to his written decision released Dec. 22.
In addition to the prison sentence, Tyler Strong was also given a five-year driving ban and a 10-year firearms ban. The last two conditions apply after the prison sentence has been served.
He pleaded guilty to three counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
At the time of the accident, Strong was traveling at 149 km/h.
According to the agreed statement of facts, Strong was driving a rented Volkswagen Golf heading toward Amherst on Highway 2 around 10 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2023.
The highway has two lanes running in opposite directions, with a posted speed limit of 70 km/h.
Despite the solid line, Strong overtook the car in front of him and accelerated to 168 km/h. Continuing in that lane, he struck a Mitsubishi SUV that was turning left onto the Highway 104 on-ramp.
Strong was traveling approximately 149 km/h at the time of the crash, the statement of facts states.
Three of the four occupants of the Mitsubishi were killed, and the fourth person ejected and suffered serious injuries, including a broken hip and nerve damage to his lower extremities.
A passenger in Strong's car, his girlfriend, suffered serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, loss of 40 percent of her intestines and seven broken ribs.
In accepting the joint sentencing recommendation, Arnold said he agreed with counsel that Strong's “troubled past, coupled with his overcoming serious life challenges, requires some restraint in sentencing.”
Sad life principle
Arnold noted that while counsel did not specifically address the issue known as the “sad life principle,” it was mentioned in a minor way.
“The sad life principle, in its historical application, helps reduce sentences if the offender has demonstrated a genuine interest in rehabilitation. Mr. Strong has worked hard to make something of himself and leave his difficult upbringing behind,” Arnold wrote.
“He then committed these terrible and catastrophic crimes. “I recognize that he is remorseful and sincere in having served his time and returned to society as a productive member.”
Difficult upbringing
The performance report sheds light on Strong's upbringing. His parents, who never married, separated while he was in preschool.
Strong called his mother an “unfit parent” because of her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, while his father also had substance abuse problems, the decision said.
Strong's father had custody, and although he provided “adequate parental care” for several years, he later “severely neglected” Strong and his brother.
“He reported no lack of leadership, structure or discipline, and his father's primary mode of communication was shouting,” Arnold wrote.
Physical, emotional abuse
Strong said his parents subjected him to verbal and emotional abuse, as well as physical abuse from his brother. He broke off relations with them about five years ago, the court heard.
Strong said his father, who had to have his leg amputated due to intravenous drug use, rarely left his bedroom. Strong had to prepare meals for his family and also unload dishes and containers filled with urine from his father's room.
He said his life would have been worse if it weren't for his great-aunt, who checked in and provided food for the family.
At 18, Strong left and took a job at a poultry plant, finding structure and support through his boss and a friend who worked there.
For the past three years, Strong has been in a relationship with Kaylee Byrd, who suffered serious injuries in the accident. The decision notes that they are still together, he is helping her recover, and that her family supports her.
Victim impact statements
Parts of 11 victim impact statements from friends and family were included in the decision.
One of them was from Sarah Gabriel, the only survivor of the four people in the Mitsubishi. Three people died: her mother, her two-month-old son and her partner.
“Emotionally I am confused, angry, lost and empty. Nothing can bring them back,” she said. “I will never get over the fact that my sweet curly-haired boy is not with me today. There will forever be an emptiness in my heart, soul and mind.”
Strong's actions “destroyed our families,” said Tammy DiMichele, Gabriel's mother.
“It wasn't just three lives, but countless others that were left broken, living with pain and a hole in our hearts that will never heal,” she said. “Every birthday, every holiday, every ordinary day carries the weight of their absence.
“You took away laughter, hugs, future milestones and the simple joy of seeing them live and grow.”
“I’m hiding from the world,” writes a family member
Another family member wrote that because of the memories they had to sell their house and move to another city.
“At the moment my lifestyle is crap, I can’t sleep at night anymore. I give up all my activities, softball, darts and hanging out with friends, I hide from the world,” wrote Adam Troy Robert Gabriel.
“I can no longer eat or go to family gatherings, I drink and get high every day and I shake so much that I can’t bring a cup of coffee to the table because it spills.”
Arnold wrote that Strong believed the families of the victims hated him, although only one person showed open hostility.
“He hasn't reached out to anyone who was hurt other than his girlfriend and knows no amount of apology will help,” Arnold wrote. “He expressed hope that taking responsibility would bring some closure to the families.”
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