Darcy Butcher, Douglas' sister, said she was furious that Snyder, his family and attorney would attempt to portray Snyder as a victim. Her brother was murdered, she said, and Snyder's chemically addled mental state and gun possession showed "he was waiting to kill someone."

Darcy Butcher said many people have drug and alcohol problems, but they seek help themselves rather than wait for a judge to order it. "We are lucky he didn't get out of (that vehicle) and shoot every police officer."

Third District Judge Judith Atherton said Snyder's childhood abuse should never have happened, but the judge also said Snyder had many opportunity to make different choices as an adult.

She sentenced him to one-to-15 years in prison for two counts of automobile homicide and one count of possessing a dangerous weapon, all second-degree felonies. All three prison terms are to run consecutively.

Atherton also said she would recommend that the Board of Pardons not release Snyder until he served the maximum prison time.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com