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Paramedic Calls Fatal Crash “The Worst Call I’ve Ever Been On” Save Email Print

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(July 22, 2008)—More testimony is expected Wednesday before jurors began deliberations on punishment for Douglas Howard Church of West who pleaded guilty Monday to intoxication manslaughter and three counts of intoxication assault in a 2006 accident that killed a young mother and injured her three children.

Church was indicted in September 2007 for intoxication manslaughter and three counts of intoxication assault in connection with the head-on collision on Aug. 11, 2006 on Tours Road north of Waco that killed Debbie French and seriously injured her three young children.

French died when a truck driven by Church veered into her lane and struck the truck in which she and her children were riding head on.

A paramedic who testified about the accident Tuesday said,” This is the worst call I’ve ever been on.”

Jurors watched dash-cam video from the patrol car of a state trooper who responded to the accident that showed the trooper talking to Church about the crash.

When the trooper asked Church if he had been drinking, he first answered, “No.”

But later he admitted to drinking beer.

As the two talked, a 5-year-old who was trapped in the smashed red pickup truck could be heard screaming in the background.

Debbie French’s now 11-year-old son, who survived the accident, later testified about how he tried to wake his mother up after the head-on crash.

As the boy testified, Church was visibly distraught.

He could be seen crying as French's son stepped down from the witness chair.

Douglas Church's brother Robert died in 2000 in a one-vehicle accident at the age of 20 after a night of Labor Day weekend beer drinking.

He was found dead in his pickup, which was upside down in the water in a deep culvert.

It’s been just two weeks since another Waco jury sentenced Lacey Leann Kutscherousky, 18, of West to two years in prison and a $2,500 fine in an accident that killed her cousin.

Kutscherousky had earlier also pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter.

(Adam Fox contributed to this story)

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Posted by: Rick Location: CT on Aug 3, 2008 at 10:20 AM
After clicking on "news", I'm suprised to see this story still in Most Popular. To tired of this in Lorena: It's shameful of you to agree it's the dead victim's fault while telling others to just drop it. Your thinking and knee-jerk reactions are pitiful.

Posted by: tired of this Location: Lorena on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:18 PM
TO JEFF: his truck didn't go into the wrong lane cause he was drinking.... he was passing someone (NOT RACING) in a no passing zone.... there for he hit the other truck....yes he had be drinking.... now its over so lets drop it....OK???

Posted by: jeff Location: bell on Jul 31, 2008 at 11:00 AM
for west. This truck came into the wrong lane because he was driving drunk. That is drunk !!!!! If he would of not been drunk he would not of crossed the center line and hit this lady and her kids. Do you get it if your drunk and hit someone you must pay for your mistake. Stop pinning his wrong doing on others. You know if you would not ask for her BAC and try to pin this accident on this lady I would not of asked you any of these questions. It must of been your fault.

Posted by: tired of this Location: Lorena on Jul 29, 2008 at 10:32 PM
TO WEST RESIDENT: I agree with u.....

Posted by: west resident Location: West on Jul 28, 2008 at 04:08 PM
What was Debbie's BAC? There was an autopsy but we have not heard. I am almost certain that she probably had a little to drink that night. Why else would she take gravel roads home. It's not because its the shortest route (drinking & Driving 101 you don't want to get caught stay on the back roads). The family and the media have portrayed this woman as someone who is above repute. Actually I know this woman and her families propensity to consume alcohol. All I am saying is those who live in glass houses should not throw stone or walk naked.

Posted by: anonymous Location: texas on Jul 27, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Listen to all you people saying don't drink and drive. Yes the young man did wrong, but I am sure there has been one time in your life you have had one and I mean just one drink at a restraunt and got behind the wheel and drove home. This is considered drinking and driving too!!!you all just never had an accident. Yes I do understand he was drunk, but all it takes is one drink at any time it doesn't even have to be your fault to cause the accident it could be someone else , but yet you had that one beer.This is a sad sad story. My prayers goes out to the French's Family.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: N/A on Jul 24, 2008 at 05:12 PM
WOW i can't belive that i mean those kids and their parents were hurt because of what the driver did I'm so shocked because this is a church and the driver was drinking. :(

Posted by: family of Doug Location: too far away on Jul 24, 2008 at 04:37 PM
I know Doug wishes he could take it back, but he can't. Yes, he made a horrible choice that ended with devastaion. Yes, he knows what he did. No, he isn't a monster. There will be justice served, we know that. Even you readers know that. But what about healing? The longer you all point fingers, and call names there will never be healing. For the French family, or the Church family. Trust me, most of us know that justice will indeed be served, as it should be. But, then what? There are 2 families grieving. One for a beloved mother who can't be with her family anymore. Another family grieves for the loss of Doug. I do not imply ours is equal to theirs, not at all. Simply, that after the sentence has begun... there will still be devastation to both families. I pray for peace for the French family. To those children, to the husband. Is it too much for me to also pray for healing in ours? Instead of condemning Doug, maybe it would be more productive to rally around the French's with love.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 02:24 PM
As a matter of fact, he did walk to Mrs. Frenchs car, knew that she was dead, and went into complete shock and panic. His bestfriend pulled up right behind him after the accident happened, and said Doug at that point (had mentally checked out). He said he even walked to the car, and saw that she was gone. He said that was the first time he had ever seen a person just die. No one knew what to do. These people are not licensed paramedics. If they would have reached in to get the kids out, it would have taken only one wrong turn and it could have killed them. You are NOT under any circumstance (unless there is a fire) to get anyone out. If the car is stable, and under no great danger of exploding, leave them there. DO NOT TOUCH THEM!

Posted by: bobbie Location: texas on Jul 24, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Noone has anything to say now that he is at the end of his trial but when he recieves 50 years some one will hahaha u ppl amaze me

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 02:16 PM
To For Real: He make take his place in the pen, just know he will have a better life than you. He will always have free & clean clothes, Always a hot free meal, a room to his self, a gym membership paid for, doesn't have to get up to go to work, doesn't have to worry about bills, how to pay for kids, saving for college, cleaning his house, driving in traffic. All of the things we hate day to day, he doesn't have to worry about. So you tell me, is it him that is going to prison, or are WE already there? Just know, you will PAY for him to live the simple life for the next 50 years, instead of making him earn his own way and teach your kids about drinking and driving, the toll it would take, and the lives that are lost. I think if they would allow him to show the horrific pictures to your kids in H.S. they would never drink and drive. The parents would have to follow up his lead and become open with their own kids. Its not till your kid sees the photos that things would change.

Posted by: Get Real Location: west on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:29 PM
People you on dwelling on things that are inmaterial. Whether he called or not after the killing of Mrs. french matters not. He was a drunken reckless driver who by entering his truck drug became a murder weapon and he killed and injured and devastated many lifes. Guilty on all counts!

Posted by: nycole Location: killeen on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:53 AM
i dont understand how u can call this an accident he didnt call 911 and his mom helped hom cover it up so thats murder if it was and accident he would have tried to call 911 1st all the while trying to check on the victims..... or maybe the crack was affecting his brain

Posted by: michelle Location: killeen on Jul 24, 2008 at 09:43 AM
I have read through most of these posts, and Mr. Church seems to have a lot of support and people that know what is going on in his life. But, I am curious, what WHERE his actions immediately following the accident? Did he check on the mom and kids in the other car? Did he even know a mom was laying there dying with her child right next to her? I read that there was a child screaming, did he or his mom hear that child or try to help or calm any of these kids? I can understand someone being afraid after an accident, and calling a family member for help, but I do not understand why 911 was not the first call and those kids comforted in the worst instant of their little lives. Mr. Church may not have intentionally done this, but, if he and his mother were so callous as to to try hide evidence while a Mom lay dying and children are screaming for help, he AND his mom deserve to harshest of punishments.

Posted by: TempleTx on Jul 24, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I attended a workshop years ago sponsored by TxDOT. They drilled into us that there are NO traffic 'accidents', only crashes. ALL crashes can be prevented - don't speed, don't be careless, drive according to weather and road conditions, don't drive when you are tired, don't tailgate, don't DRINK and drive. Look at the statistics...they can ALL be prevented. A lot of so-called accidents can be prevented by just thinking about what you do. Actions cause reactions which cause consequences. Good or bad - it all comes down to a person's choice.

Posted by: For Real Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:21 PM
He intentionally drank, he intentionally drove drunk and he intentionally sped down the road in the wrong lane and he intentionally killed a mother and injured them physically and mentally for life. He should intentionally take his place in the state pent for 50 years so he doesn't intentionally hurt another person. Case closed.

Posted by: Kaylee on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I hit enter accidently and didn't get to finish my comment.....Surely Doug has heard the plain and simple phrase.."Don't Drink and Drive"

Posted by: Kaylee on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Laura, yes he did intentionally get behind the wheel, not planning to kill anybody I'm sure, but he knew it was a possibility. He should have intentionally called his mom to come take care of him before he decided to drive away and kill her and give the kids nightmares forever and a husband hurting for their loss. Surely Doug had heard the plain and simple phrase...'

Posted by: A person Location: Waco on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:12 PM
The crash was an accident..not meant to happen..never planned. A mistake..We can all realize that. Things turned wrong though when he called his mom to help himself out. He had to think about doing that.. that's were he became selfish and heartless. Im sure he heard the kids screaming in the car..did he just ignore them? I feel sorry for this guy, but not because he has to live with this but because he is so self centered he could let that mother die in front of her children and let the kids suffer. This goes for his mom too..

Posted by: Tired of excuses Location: for dwi s on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:37 PM
To Get over yourselves ... when your trial starts, you have to enter a plea to the judge. Read the first sentence of this report and then get over yourself. Anonymous, trying to say Doug was drinking because of his brother who died 8 yrs ago is only an excuse ...not a reason. I hope the French Family receives justice for this guy's crime. And that's what it is ... A CRIME.

Posted by: Mother on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Laura - You are a stupid fool. He did intentionally get into that truck. That was his choice. That is not an accident. I don't know how idiots like you survive. I hope you have an accident one day and then you will know what intentional means. Again, you are a stupid fool. A mother is dead because he made a decision to drink and drive. Had he been driving on your road and killed your mother - would it have been an accident then? Those of us who have lost family members to drunk drivers should be the only ones to speak. All you other bleeding hearts - go plant a tree.

Posted by: Concerned/ Annoyed Location: West, TX on Jul 23, 2008 at 06:25 PM
Anonymous- The only reason the church family was "shattered" is because his mother came to "help" instead of calling an ambulance right away. And I don't care if he lost his brother yes it's sad, but his brother messed up and paid the consequences (I am NOT implying that death is the only punishment because that's harsh and I believe NO ONE deserves to die because of their mistakes or anyone elses) But that's not what happened. He messed up and it doesn't matter how many people die that are close to him, he will never know the pain of trying to wake up your mom and realizing she's dead. Until he can say that he has seen with his eyes the pain he has caused there's no need for any people even his friends to stand up for him...and new flash guess what he did it! and yes he owned up to it, but that doesn't erase the fact that he killed somebody. Yes people make mistakes and learn from them...but that's not without consequences. END OF STORY.

Posted by: Disgusted Location: Waco on Jul 23, 2008 at 04:48 PM
For all of the "Good Friends" who keep attempting to stand up for Church's actions, why were you not there when he was driving while drunk? Maybe having such "loyal" friends be a designated driver would have been helpful insted of your attempts to stand up for a poor guy just making mistakes.

Posted by: For Real! Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 04:33 PM
He may have known the loss but he did absolutely nothing to change his life! I guess some people grieve by drinking and drinking and eventually killing! No comparison to the loss and pain the French family especially the children have gone through.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Doug does know that loss. He knows how it feels to lose his brother at 20. He knows how it feels to pick out the casket for the funeral. He knows how it feels to have Alan Jackson ringing in his ears as he mourns the loss of his brother. He misses him everyday. Some people gamble to forget, some people stay in bed to forget, some people drink to forget. Yes, it ripped this family in two. It took everything good from them. Just know, it feels the same for Doug. A whole bunch of lives were shattered that night, even those of the Church Family.

Posted by: For Real! Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 04:05 PM
When Debbie's husband testifies today the jury will raelize the hurt Doug has caused the French family. It won't take them 2 hours to come up with a verdict I assure you. He will never kill or hurt another peson again. It's a shame he didn't learn from his bother's death. At least he went out solo thank goodness. And believe it or not it is a West thing just drive into town and check out the drinking establishments, they are packed!

Posted by: amazed Location: not west thank goodness on Jul 23, 2008 at 03:40 PM
it amazes me how people look at drunk drivers, like oh poor them it was an accident... WHATEVER... i know when i go through west from now on i will definitely keep an eye out for drunk drivers. I understand people leaving comments on here that are friends of the people that caused the accident. My goodness take responablity! They have a problem. It's so sad that people get behind the wheel after drinking. I dont drink or smoke but I think about how strict the laws are getting for smokers and can't understand why the law for drinking is staying the same. I know second hand smoke is bad but drinking and driving... Always kills! anyway... its so sad to hear another story of drinking and driving... and ummm again he's from WEST... but like always I'm sure there is will excuses!

Posted by: Bubba Location: Dog Run on Jul 23, 2008 at 03:38 PM
To ANONYMOUS, I have read and maybe you should re-read the article from July 21st. He did tell the DPS at the accident he had drank beer after first denying he had been drinking. If he had admitted his guilt to a judge in the beginning, as Lacy did, maybe he would have received a shorter sentence. I've cut and pasted an exerpt from the 21 July article to help you out. (July 21, 2008)—Douglas Howard Church of West pleaded guilty Monday morning to intoxication manslaughter in a 2006 traffic crash that claimed the life of a young mother. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of intoxication assault in connection to the injuries suffered by the woman's three children, who survived the accident. The plea came, as jury selection was getting underway for Church’s trial in 54th District Court in Waco.

Posted by: ANONYMOUS on Jul 23, 2008 at 03:17 PM
HE NEEDS TO DIE !!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: True Life Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 02:55 PM
If this paramedic couldn't handle what he saw it may be wise of him to look into another line of work. Some people are just not cut out for some things. It's not a knock against him, different things affect people in different ways.

Posted by: Tex on Jul 23, 2008 at 02:46 PM
He made a foolish mistake that will always be remembered by the poor family who is with out a mother for the rest of their long life. Hope all of Doug's friends are around to comfort these kids around Christmas time and Mother's day. Wonder if this will stop good ole Doug from drinking or will it take something else to happen? I know he didn"t know who he hit but if it wasn't her it would have been someone else and it still would have been foolish.

Posted by: banker friend Location: Waco on Jul 23, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Concerned/Annoyed, I knew the family as well and have to agree with you. The children are amazing and I don't want to think about what this trial is making them relive. It doesn't matter whether or not people mudsling Doug. It happened, it can not bring Debbie back, which is a tragedy.

Posted by: Concerned/ Annoyed Location: West, TX on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Stop! Stop! Stop, talking about him. He hit the family that's what matters. Does he know Debbie was a girl scout leader of the daisies and juniors? Does he know she was a wonderful mother to her three kids? Does he know she's the one some people went to for everything? Does he know the oldest daughter is beautiful and looks just like her mom? Does he know the son is absolutely amazing? Does he know the youngest little girl has fire red hair and her mother's smile? Does he know her husband is one of the sweetest, most caring people in this world? No, he doesn't. He knows he hit a red truck, and he killed a mom. He doesn't know what he took away from that family. He doesn't know and it's obvious he never will. For those of us who had the chance to meet this wonderful person, she was beautiful, stunning actually. Her loves where her family, friends, horses, and hairspray. She was simply beautiful. There's no word that could sum up all that she was, she was that spectacular.

Posted by: Friend on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:22 PM
I know that Doug did not want this to go to trial , he didn't not want those kids to have to get on the stand and go thru what they are. He does have a heart. He always intended on pleading guilty , he has never denied is actions. So I wish people would stop saying he changed his plea. By the way when you are indidted you have to enter a plea. And that was almost a year ago, So I don't know where you get he changed it.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Hey Bubba! The accident happened in August of 2006. He has been in jail ever since. His lawyer told him he could bail out, but it would be better to stay in, as it would take the time off of his sentence. If it is 50 years, he only has 48 to go. He didn't bail. He did what was right. He would have walked for 2 years, but didn't. If it makes you feel any better, it is our judicial system that takes the longest, not the person. He was there the entire time. He admitted his guilt at the scene of the accident, not a year later. Maybe you should brush up on some reading...BUBBA!

Posted by: Get over yourselves on Jul 23, 2008 at 01:17 PM
to Bubba: How the hell do you now , that Doug just now is pleading guilty. He has been sitting in jail for two years and has said from day one that he would plead guilty. It pertty hard not to . So I wish you would keep quit, because you don't know the facts.

Posted by: Dee Location: Central Texas on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Hey, KWTX-Waco...why is it that when we start talking about your news anchors and others going to George's and drinking then driving do you pull the plug on the comments?

Posted by: Thick Location: Austin on Jul 23, 2008 at 12:05 PM
As a West High School Graduate, I know Doug personally. He is not a monster. He is a conscious bearing human just like the rest of us. I am not defending him. He did commit a crime and he needs to be punished for it. He did not have any business driving drunk or better yet, racing another drunk driver down that road. Now, there is an innocent family who has to live with the decisions that Doug made that night. He deserves a hefty sentence and fines to pay the family for any expenses they had plus pain and suffering. My suggestions for everyone on here is to not say things about Doug unless you know him personally. If you do not know him, than you do not know who or what he is. We are not the ones to judge. Our maker is the ultimate judge and Doug will have to face him for his actions.

Posted by: None Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:54 AM
He need to pay for what he has done. It is sad that Doug mom went to the accident and try to cover up that her son was drinking!!!! by picking up the beer can and taking the cooler before DPS got there.

Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:53 AM
He drank, he drove, he killed and he will pay. It's ILLEGAL friend. We all know it and there's no excuse anyone can give that makes it acceptable in any way, shape or form. Commit the crime ...do the time! Enough said .....

Posted by: Bubba Location: Dog Run on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Accident happened in 2006, Church was indicted in September 2007. In the last week or so, Church decided to plead guilty or no contest and have a jury decide his fate. If Church was such a fine upstanding citizen, as some so stated, why is he finally admitting his guilt. Maybe he is hoping for the same jury that gave Lacy only two years. For the three kids left without a mother, hopefully Church will get the max allowed. You drink, you drive, you get the max.

Posted by: friend Location: waco,tx on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Tex> Doug had three days of freedom befor he was locked up and ample time to run if that was what he wanted to do!! Instead he stayed at his home knowing that there would be a warrant issued for his arrest and waited for the officers to show up and arrest him!!! I don't believe those are the actions of a man who would have taken no responsibilty if given the opportunity!!

Posted by: me Location: work on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Tex, how do you know that he couldn't run away from the scene of the accident. Nothing like this has happened to you before I'm sure. He is human, he made a mistake and he will pay for that mistake. He is still just a man. I think you are the fool.

Posted by: friend Location: waco,tx on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Tex> How can you say Doug would have left the seen if he could?!! Were you there? Did he tell you this? I am willing to bet not!!!

Posted by: Anonymous Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Yes, everyone makes mistakes. I hope Doug gets the help he needs. But, recall he did not contact 911, he was busy trying to cover up, all while the kids were trapped inside the wreck. He took time to call his mother to come help him. Get back to the real victims, the French family.

Posted by: GOOD FRIEND Location: WACO on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:35 AM
I do feel for everyone in this trial, and i know that Doug does also. There are so many people in the world that drink and drive and yes it is wrong. The one that care as Doug does get punished. The ones that have several charges and dont care about anything get OFF FREE !!!! Doug WILL NEVER FORGIVE himself for the accident that happen. He is very young and has the rest of his life to live with the guilt of this accident. Nothing that is done to him, Will ever bring that her back to life and earse the memories from here children. This is a very horrible thing that happened, but the worst thing is that Justice is never realyl served and nothing can change what happened or any memories behind it. I will continue to pray for Doug and his family and The Frenchs as well !!! May God help everyone. Dont forget, That Doug Church is a very loyal and loving person !!!!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM
now, he will get a slap on the wrist

Posted by: Tex on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Well Laura,you sound like you must be a drinker and then a driver too. when you do something this dumb you deserve what you having coming to you, and as far as people saying he has been a man about it,its only because he could not leave the accident or he would have kept on going. He had no business driving after drinking its the law and not driving after such events,shows the responsablity andf the man in someone not this fool.

Posted by: Realistic Location: west on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Doug is guilty of murder. It is no different then a a bullet. Speeding drunk down a country road in the wrong lane and killing a beautiful mother, injuring innocent children, never helping them while mom cleaned up his trunk. This is a monster of no respect and no concern for anyone but Doug. It is so sad that there are so many Doug's out there who feel like him, think like him and drink like him. Please park your cars and trunks and drink at home with your parents. Life without parole is lenient!

Posted by: angery Location: AT WORK! on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:55 AM
YOU PEOPLE NEED LIVES

Posted by: me Location: copperas cove on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:33 AM
You know what happens when you drink and drive. He made his decision and now he needs to deal with the consequences. The way the judges are going these days he won't get it too bad.

Posted by: Laura Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I'm not sure how he can be called a monster, he didn't intentionally get behind the wheel and set out to kill someone. It is horrible that it happened, yes, but to call him a monster is a little harsh.

Posted by: Justice Location: West on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Guilty on 4 counts. He should never be able to taste alcohol again in his life or be able to hurt innocent children again. Behind the fence forever, take mom with you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:17 AM
To Disgusted: For one, I hope you practice what you preach. For two, a monster is someone who bashes in your front door in the middle of the night, sneaks back to your bedroom, rapes you and then murders you in cold blood. This was an accident. Doug has a guilty conscience. Doug will live with this for everyday of his life. Doug cries, shows remorse, shows fault. A MONSTER shows none of that. A MONSTER is someone who has no conscience whatsoever, that can murder you, then murder someone else the next day and still sleep and eat in between. That people... IS A MONSTER! This was a lack of judgement, a poor decision and a mistake that he will have to live with for the rest of his life. A MONSTER DOESN'T SHOW REMORSE! Look up dictionary.com, Dougs picture is not there, and he does not fit the description of a monster. Check your vocabulary before you define a persons character.

Posted by: Kim Location: Elm Mott on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:11 AM
I know Doug personally , and I do believe that Doug did do wrong and he is man enough to stand up and say he did wrong and wants to be given his punishment , so he can serve his time . And to me that is all that matters. All the stuff that people have written on here about him and his family doesn’t matter. I pray that all the people who are saying bad things can one day realize that just because you make huge mistakes doesn’t make you a monster .

Posted by: Disgusted Location: Waco on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Having a 6 yr old and thinking of what those poor children were experiencing at the wreck and the future they have to face...I hope Church experiences nothing less than unimagineable distress for the rest of his life...eye for an eye would give monsters like him only slightly what they deserve.

Posted by: Friend Location: waco,tx on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Again I hope that everyone posting comments will stop and think before they post anything! Doug is such a young person and has the rest of his life to deal with the fact that he killed a mother of several children that day!! I personally know Doug and can guarantee you when they took him back to his cell lastnight, after hearing that little boy testify, he didn't sleep at all! If there is one thing I know for sure about Doug, he loves children!!! I don't believe that anything happens with out reason!! Hopefully what ever the outcome of this trial may be,Doug will forever learn his lesson and maybe a few others will to!!! My prayers are with all that were involved and may everyone find peace!!!!

Posted by: Michelle Location: Lometa on Jul 23, 2008 at 08:18 AM
On the news last night, you mentioned a fire being fought by Lampasas and Kempner. Lometa and Adamsville firefighters were there also with several trucks from each town and a water tanker from Lometa. We are a small town but I feel like my guys deserve recognition also. Thank you.

Posted by: Derek Location: Waco on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:52 AM
I grew up in west. There is a problem that has aways been there. Throughout High School we lost a lot of friends to drinking. What is it that makes people so blinded by this. Doug, you lost your own brother to this meaningless behavior. Why would you ever get in a vehicle drunk. WHY? Why does innocent people have to die so you can finally get what was coming all along.

Posted by: tired of this Location: Lorena on Jul 23, 2008 at 07:45 AM
I want everyone to ask a paramedic whats the WORST scene they have ever seen.... Being related to 2 firemen they have told me MANY stories of crashes they have been too... Yeah it might be the "worst" HE has ever seen but im sure it wasnt the worst ever!!!

Posted by: Rachel Location: Temple on Jul 23, 2008 at 04:06 AM
My question is - what would it take for this guy to learn something, if he didn't learn from the death of his own brother - heaven help him! I suspect that pure and simple - he is an alcoholic and his addiction runs his life and not him - at least maybe jail will keep him from hurting others

Posted by: Concerned/ Annoyed Location: West, TX on Jul 22, 2008 at 11:15 PM
One- Andrew is awesome. Any eleven year old that can testify after trying to "wake up" their mom is one of the strongest people on this earth. And I agree with "citizen" from CenTex you can't undo death, there's no backspace in life. Not sounding like a completely heartless person, but I'm glad he cried. Those few tears will NEVER come close to the ones that family has cried. Maybe Douglas Church has felt pain from losing his brother, but his brother wasn't hit by a drunk driver when he was doing nothing but driving. He chose to drive home drunk. And I find it completely inappropriate to put Lacey Kutscherousky's story in this selection because there's a difference. Lacey and all the other people with her were intoxicated. They chose to be in that situation and chose to get in that car. Debbie and her family where coming home from the rodeo--that simple. They chose to DRIVE HOME, and Lacey and Douglas both decided to DRIVE DRUNK.

Posted by: Citizen Location: CenTex on Jul 22, 2008 at 07:15 PM
A paramedic who testified about the accident Tuesday,” This is the worst call I’ve ever been on.”? Oh my, may God bless these 3 little children. Why do people not "THINK BEFORE" getting behind the wheel drunk? Because they're drunk and think they can do anything! I hope he gets more than 2 years ...ALOT MORE. People are sick of drunk drivers killing the innocent and devastating families. One thing for sure, no matter how remorseful you are, you can NEVER undo death.

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