Ohio man who made confessional video after fatal wrong-way DUI crash seeks reduced sentence

10/17/2013

COLUMBUS — Attorneys are seeking a reduced sentence for an Ohio man who confessed in an online video to causing a fatal wrong-way crash after a night of drinking.

The defense says a fair sentence for Matthew Cordle is imperative to send a message about the value of taking responsibility for causing a tragedy.

A filing in Franklin County court late Wednesday asks Judge Davie Fais (fys) to sentence Cordle well below the maximum eight-year sentence allowed by law. The filing says Cordle has stopped drinking, is extremely remorseful and thoroughly ashamed.

Cordle pleaded guilty last month to killing Vincent Canzani of suburban Columbus. Cordle’s online video confession, made against the advice of lawyers, has been viewed more than 2.2 million times.

Prosecutors have until Friday to respond.

Sentencing is Oct. 23.