The teen responsible for causing a fiery crash in Colonie in 2016 that critically injured his friend has been sentenced.
Michael Carr, 19, will spend 6 years in prison followed by 3 years of post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and one count of assault.
On October 28, 2016, Carr was driving and Niko DiNovo was in the passenger seat when Carr lost control and the car crashed into a vehicle parked outside Blessings Tavern in Colonie. Both vehicles and the restaurant burst into flames. DiNovo was trapped inside the car and suffered burns to more than 95 percent of his body.
In Albany County Court on Tuesday, Niko's brother Michael DiNovo and his aunt Davina Resciniti read victim impact statements to Carr. Michael DiNovo says the pain the crash has caused his family is irreversible, and hopefully one day they will be able to forgive Carr.
"It's really not justice. Justice would be God bringing Niko back home to us. That's justice. Mikey Carr could stay a day or a million days in jail; that's still not going to change what happened to my brother,” Michael said.
Michael Carr was shown photos of Niko DiNovo in Westchester Medical Center as part of the plea. Niko’s aunt Davina read a statement from Niko's mother, who remains at Westchester Medical Center with Niko. He's been undergoing surgeries and treatment there since the crash.
"We have spent the last 459 days crying and praying," Niko's mom wrote. "I want you to feel the same pain that I do, that Niko does and that my family endures every day."
Michael Carr addressed the court, expressing his remorse for his actions.
The judge had harsher words for Carr, saying he would have time in prison to think about what he has done.
The judge also read another victim impact statement in court, from the cook who was working at Blessings Tavern that night. He was injured, and in the statement, he said he's never received an apology from Carr, and his life has changed drastically since the crash.