Man Accused Of Killing Ligonier Twp. Officer While DUI Pleads Guilty
GREENSBURG (KDKA) – A man accused of driving drunk and causing a crash that left a Ligonier Township police officer dead has pleaded guilty.
In court today, the judge read each charge and an emotional Clair Fink replied "guilty" to all. They included third-degree homicide, homicide by vehicle while DUI and three counts of DUI.
As a result, Fink will likely be sentenced to 6 to 20 years in prison. However, he could face 20 to 40 years if other mitigating factors are involved. He will also be fined $25,000.
On May 5, 2015, Fink was behind the wheel of a van going the wrong way on Route 30 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle smashed into Lt. Eric Eslary's SUV, killing the father of six.
He has apologized, saying he "lives with this."
"Every day, I wake up; every night, I go to sleep..." Fink said. "Think about what you do, sometimes you don't think about what you do at the time."
Lt. Eslary's widow attended today's hearing and wept as she left the courtroom. She later released a statement, reading in part:
"I am thankful that he has admitted his guilt. Now we prepare for the sentencing. It's not over yet. As for forgiveness... he needs to ask that from his own God. I'm not ready yet."
Formal sentencing will be held in December.
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