A Garland man who was driving under the influence when he caused a crash that killed a young girl has been sentenced to 17 years in prison as part of a plea deal. However, the victim’s family believes the punishment is far too lenient.
Tragic Loss and Devastated Family
On Monday, Aubri Moran came face-to-face with Jeremy Spencer, the man responsible for the crash that killed her 13-year-old sister, Brooklyn Moran, in 2022. The loss has left an unfillable void in their home.
“I couldn’t bring myself to go home. How could I?” Aubri said. “Brooklyn’s room was just across the hall from mine, and the thought of walking past it knowing she would never be in there again was unbearable.”
The fatal crash occurred when Spencer crossed the center line on Castle Drive in Garland, crashing his truck head-on into the Moran family’s SUV. Garland police determined that Spencer was intoxicated, with tests showing he had used cocaine and methamphetamine.
Spencer, who admitted to being an alcoholic, initially told police he had only consumed half a beer that day.
Brooklyn’s friend, Isabella Simpson, was also seriously injured in the crash but said she forgives Spencer.
“Forgiveness is a lot easier than forgetting,” she said. “I will never be able to forget September 9, 2022.”
Brooklyn’s mother, Brittney Moran, who was driving at the time, was in a coma for four days following the accident. She described the heartbreaking moment when she finally woke up and learned what had happened.
“Telling her that Brooklyn was gone felt like ripping the last pieces of my heart apart,” Aubri said.
“You took out a very good gem in this world,” Brittney told Spencer. “She was one of the really, really good ones.”
Controversial Sentencing
Spencer, who did not have a valid license at the time due to a previous DWI conviction, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. However, he will be eligible for parole in just five years.
Brooklyn’s family voiced their frustration with the plea deal, saying they were not consulted.
“He’s been given a slap on the hand, and we’ve been given a life sentence,” said Brooklyn’s grandmother, Cindy Hill.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office defended the plea agreement, stating that the risk of going to trial could have resulted in a significantly lighter sentence.
“As the range of punishment for intoxication manslaughter is a minimum of 2 years in prison to a maximum of 20 years… a jury could have sentenced him to significantly less than the 17 years he has received,” the DA’s office said.
A Call for Change
The judge urged Spencer to use his time in prison to reflect on the consequences of his actions. Brooklyn’s father, David Moran, echoed that sentiment.
“I don’t want Brooklyn to die in vain,” he said. “[Spencer] needs to change his life, and I’m really serious about that. I want him to become a new person.”
Despite their grief, Brooklyn’s family finds solace in knowing that she was able to save lives through organ donation. At least six people, including a baby, received life-saving transplants from her.
