A 24-year-old man pleaded guilty in Riverhead court this morning to vehicular manslaughter in the February 2009 crash that killed Suffolk County police officer Glen Ciano.
Jose Bourbon admitted to being drunk behind the wheel when his car struck Ciano's in Commack. The impact sent the 45-year-old officer's car into a traffic pole, where it burst into flames.
The District Attorney will ask for 3 to 9 years, but Bourbon is expected to be receive 1 1/3 to 4 years, when he sentenced on December 22.
The horrific crash rocked the small Long Island community, and, in its aftermath, thousands of police officers gathered to pay final tribute to one of their own.
Mourners filled the street and packed Our Lady of the Snow R.C. Church in Blue Point for Ciano's funeral Mass. The hearse was led by the Suffolk County Pipes and Drums Emerald Society. And "Amazing Grace" echoed through the church and through speakers outside.
