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Long Island Man Gets 3 1/2 to 10 1/2 Years for Chase That Killed 2 on Dirt Bike

The judge called Christopher Bouchard's actions "reckless conduct" and "gutless"

What to Know

  • A Long Island man who pleaded guilty in a 2017 crash that killed two men on a dirt bike was sentenced to 3 1/2 to 10 1/2 years in prison
  • Christopher Bouchard pleaded guilty to driving his minivan into a dirt bike he thought had been stolen, killing the two riders
  • A judge on Tuesday called his actions "reckless conduct" and "gutless"

A Long Island man who pleaded guilty in a June 2017 crash that killed two men he thought had stolen his brother’s dirt bike could spend up to 10 1/2 years in prison.

Christopher Bouchard, of Mastic Beach, was sentenced to 3 1/2 to 10 1/2 years in prison Tuesday, with the judge calling his actions “reckless conduct” and “gutless.”

Bouchard in August pleaded guilty to driving his minivan after Anthony Garriques, 20, and Keenan King, 19, who were on a dirt bike Bouchard believed they’d stolen from his brother.

Bouchard slammed the minivan into the bike, killing both of the men, prosecutors said.

In court on Tuesday, he apologized for the incident.

“I think about that day every day and I wish I could take back what happened,” he said. “My heart goes out to the families. I never meant to hurt them and I take full responsibility.”

Family members of the victims declined to make statements at the sentencing, but following the sentencing, Garriques’ mother said it “wasn’t enough,” adding that “laws need to be changed.”

"My son didn't deserve a death like this," said Lina Garriques. "Didn't deserve to die." 

Garrique's stepfather said he thought Bouchard should have gotten more time. 

"He's a piece of s---," he said in a fit of anger and tears. "That's how we feel." 

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