COLUMBIA CITY — Chaise Ray Belcher, 26, Warsaw, was sentenced today, Oct. 30, in Whitley County Circuit Court for charges related to an incident that occurred April 16.

Belcher was westbound on US 30 when he ran a red light at the intersection of US 30 and SR 5, Larwill. His vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by Phillip D. Caudill, 16, Warsaw, who was heading northbound on SR 5. Caudill’s passenger Jack Burchett, 17, Warsaw, sustained fatal injuries; Caudill and passenger Jacob Burchett, 18, Warsaw, sustained major injuries and were transported to Parkview Regional.

Belcher was sentenced on charges of count II causing death when operating a vehicle while intoxicated with an ACE of .08 or more, a level 4 felony and two counts causing bodily injury when operating a vehicle while intoxicated, level 5 felonies.

Prosecutor DJ Sigler read a victim’s statement from Caudill to the court. Caudill stated, “The crash has made me a totally different person … Jack was my best friend.” He continued by saying that without Jack, Caudill finds it difficult to do things he enjoys because he used to always do them with Jack.

In his argument, Sigler directed the court to the fact that at only 26 years old Belcher has had six criminal convictions, two felonies and four misdemeanors, five of which were related to substance abuse. Belcher has also never taken advantage of substance abuse help and continuously violates probation. Sigler also drew attention to Belcher’s driving history: 19 suspensions and 13 convictions.

At the time of the accident, Belcher was on probation and had a suspended license. The breath test given to Belcher indicated an alcohol content of .22, nearly three times the legal limit. The offense also violated the terms of Belcher’s bond in another case.

“Chaise sentenced this family to a lifetime of hurt,” stated Sigler.

The only thing Belcher had to say before the court was: “I know there’s nothing I can say to make this situation any better … I’m truly sorry.”

Judge Matthew Rentschler didn’t believe Belcher was sincere in his apology, stating “I would have hoped for a much more sincere apology.” Later he added, “Saying your sorry is the first step. Meaning it is the second.”

Rentschler took no pity on Belcher, listing eight aggravating factors being taken into consideration. These include a history of criminal activity and violating probation, substance abuse and the sometimes daily usage of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, prescription drugs, cocaine, LSD and methamphetamine.

For count II Rentschler sentenced Belcher to 11 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections; for counts III and IV Belcher was sentenced to five years at the IDOC. The sentences will be served consecutively, totaling 21 years. None of the time was suspended and the sentence is to be served consecutively to three additional cases Belcher has been sentenced in.