Joseph Brynda, 20, of Oak Lawn pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI as well as an unrelated burglary charge according to the Cook County State's Attorney's office. Brynda was convicted of of killing a pedestrian, Phillip Rangel, while driving under the influence and texting. Cannabis and freon were found in Brynda's system and a witness claims that the defendant appeared to be driving with his knees at the time of the accident.
A judge at the Bridgeview Courthouse sentenced him to seven years in prison on Wednesday. The defendant reportedly had eight prior driving violations including one previous accident involving injuries. In addition, he was charged in 2008 with drinking alcohol as a minor and in 2009 with possession of marijuana.
Joseph Brynda Gets Seven Years For Fatal DUI Crash, www.huffingtonpost.com, December 8, 2011
Oak Lawn man gets 7-year sentence in fatal DUI case, www.suntimes.com, December 7, 2011
