DUI vs. Murder

On 60 Minutes, a case involving 24 year old Martin Heidgen of New York resulted in his being charged with murder. He was convicted of 2nd degree murder and given a lengthy prison sentence. Here in California some months back, 22 year old Andrew Gallo was charged with murder in the the case involving Angel pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others.

My name is “Hoot” Hooten, author of Drunk & Disorderly, Again – My name is Hoot, I’m an alcoholic. If someone dies as the result of DUI, should the driver be charged with murder? How can DUI be called murder if the American Medical Association and many other medical organizations categorize alcoholism as a disease? It stands to reason then, that at the very least, the charge should be, Vehicular Homicide by reason of insanity/disease. A disease is a disease.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been very successful in convincing judges and prosecutors to join them in their “War on drunk driving.” Shouldn’t the companies that brew alcoholic beverages he held as accessories? After all, alcohol often leads to “Black-outs,” so it seems the companies that manufacture the booze should also be held culpable?

Now I’m not defending the drunk driver, on the contrary, killing someone while under the influence is horrific and criminal. I just believe there has to be a better way to address the problem. What do you think?

Hoot