By David G. Firestone.
In January, I discussed my thoughts on Utah’s new extreme DUI laws. I think they were the right move to make. I think we need stricter laws and regulations on repeat DUI offenders. I think they should be banned from buying alcohol, and they shouldn’t be allowed to drive.
Well, something else happened concerning this story in March, which I wasn’t aware of. Mason Andrew Ohms, whose selfish actions helped create these new laws, came up for parole, four years into a 20 year sentence for running over a 12 year old and running from the scene. As I thought, Ohms tried to appeal to the parole board by claiming he is a changed person, and is doing things in prison to help himself become better.
However, the family of Eli Mitchell, the innocent child Ohms drunkenly ran over, had a few things to say about it. Eli’s father, Jeremy Mitchell, wrote:
“He struck Eli, ran over him, and then tried to flee. He did not call for help. He did not try to save a dying child. Instead, he removed Eli’s bike from under his truck to escape, with the bag of candy my son had just bought still attached to his mangled bike handlebars. These details are burned into our family’s memory. They reflect not an accident, but a total disregard for human life.”
Eli’s grandfather, Glendon Mitchell, pointed to Ohms’ remarks at his January 2023 sentencing.
“At the January 2023 sentencing hearing, Mr. Ohms read from a short, prepared statement. He showed little signs of remorse. His brief comment still rings in my ears: “I’m sorry for what happened.” He didn’t take responsibility or ownership for his criminal actions after having been in jail for over 8 months with time to think about that. Many in the courtroom that day felt he was only concerned about being caught and held accountable. Any remorseful comments he might make now would seem shallow and contrived since he wouldn’t do that when he had the opportunity in 2023.”
Thankfully, the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole isn’t run by bleeding hearts, and they declined Mason Ohms parole until 2032. Even though Ohms is trying to make himself better, the facts of the case prove that only four years simply isn’t enough.
I say good! Mason Andrew Ohms deserves to serve the full 20 year sentence. Every day he is in prison, is a day the streets are safer! This is his SIXTH DUI CONVICTION! He had five chances to learn his lesson, sadly, he didn’t and an innocent child had to die.
I have zero sympathy for drunk drivers, and they deserve no respect. I have never, ever, in my life ever driven drunk, nor will I ever! I think Utah’s DUI and ID laws need to be the national standard. This is a problem, and soft laws and coddling aren’t working. Some people need to be forced to change. Not for themselves, but for the good of society.
Mason Ohms is the epitome of the saying “Everybody has a purpose in life. Some people’s purpose is to be an example to others.” Mason Ohms has ruined so many people’s lives for his own selfishness, and the fact that he will be old when he leaves prison, is a great thing. He deserves every second of that 20 year sentence, and the world will be a better place if he dies in prison. I hate Mason Ohms, and I enjoy his suffering. I also love that Utah has better laws as a result.
Next week, a confession.
Sources Cited:
DGF2099-Main Page 