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Driver sentenced to prison after hitting, killing reporter

Posted at 1:37 PM, Mar 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-04 15:37:40-05

DENVER (AP) -- A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to striking and killing a Denver Post reporter while driving drunk.

The Post reports Jesus Carreno was sentenced Friday in the August death of Colleen O'Connor.

He'll be eligible for probation after four months. He'll participate in a restorative justice program, meeting with O'Connor's family and friends, speaking to others about his actions and performing other community service.

Carreno pleaded guilty in January to vehicular homicide-reckless driving and driving under the influence.

O'Connor's sister, Carol O'Casey, said in court that she forgave Carreno, despite the pain O'Connor's death had caused her and her family.

Carreno tearfully told O'Connor's family and friends he was heartbroken over the grief he caused and took responsibility for his actions.

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