A Cheboygan man, Jerry Stone III, was sentenced to 19-50 years in prison for killing a Colorado woman, Alyson Johnson, while she was jogging in Emmet County in August. Stone was under the influence of methamphetamines at the time of the crash and fled the scene after hitting Johnson.
Stone plead guilty to operating while intoxicated causing death and was sentenced as a fourth habitual offender.
Alyson Johnson’s family members gave emotional speeches at the sentencing about the impact of her death on their lives. Her son, Kellen, spoke about starting college without his mother and how he often wished he could just talk to her again.
Stone apologized to the family for his actions and said he would never forget the day of the crash.
Judge Jennifer Deegan said she considered Stone’s lack of intent to kill Johnson but had to sentence him based on four factors including punishment and protecting society. She noted that Stone would eventually be released from prison, something Alyson Johnson would not be able to do.