[chris]

Burton, 43, was killed May 23 when the car he was riding in hit a beach walkover off U.S. 98 in Mexico Beach. The car was driven by Jennifer Ammons, 21, who police charged with DUI manslaughter.

Ammons entered a plea of no contest to that charge Wednesday, and Circuit Judge Dedee Costello sentenced her to eight years in prison followed by seven years of probation.

Costello said she had to do some “soul searching” before she agreed to the sentence. “This isn’t really forgivable, even though the Burtons have forgiven you,” she said.

The prison sentence was two years below the minimum 10-year sentence Ammons could have received. But Burton’s family asked Costello for the departure sentence, saying they are not the only ones suffering as a result of the crash.

“We are not the only victims of this tragedy,” the Burtons said in a letter to the court. “We know the Ammons family has suffered and will continue to suffer.” Jennifer Ammons did not say anything during the sentencing. She appeared to be struggling to maintain her composure.

“As a Christian family,” the letter continued, “we realize there is a peace that comes with forgiveness. We hope that Jennifer and her family also experience this peace.” They also hoped Ammons would take advantage of any educational opportunities presented to her over the next eight years to better her life upon her release.

Ammons and Burton were good friends and leaving a bar together the night of the crash. Costello told Ammons she did the right thing by taking responsibility for the crash.

Ammons must pay more than $27,000 in restitution to the Burtons and a victim's recovery fund over the course of her probation. Costello revoked Ammons’ driver’s license for life. The judge warned Ammons that if she violated the terms of her probation, she would spend seven more years in prison.

Ammons' Last Know Prison Address:

Ammons, Jennifer DC# Q21257
Hernando Correctional Institution
16415 Springhill Drive
Brooksville, Florida 34604-8167

[William May]

At least she took responsibility. That's pretty rare now days.

[murofhsirgo]

^^^yes, too rare indeed

[K53]

Everyone loses in this case.

[harleykitten]

He knowingly got into a vehicle with an intoxicated individual. They left a bar together. He isn't an innocent bystander; he's just the poor, stupid, sap who ended up dead based on a mutually bad decision.

[deanmine]

Originally Posted by William May ↗

At least she took responsibility. That's pretty rare now days.

Ammons entered a plea of no contest.. thats not taking responsibility... thats pleading that u cant win ur case and by this plea it basicly helps you in a civil case... i understand what u mean.. but.. its not taking responsibility.. its taking an option other than sayin ur guilty