Estherville, IA (KICD) — Cejay Van Der Wilt was sentenced today after he was found guilty of Aggravated Misdemeanor Involuntary Manslaughter in November for his role in the death of David McDowell last October.
Proceedings began with a clarification, as the Pre-Sentence Investigation report was initially prepared for a felony conviction, which the jury did NOT find Van Der Wilt guilty of.
Attorney for the State Melanie Summers Bauler recommended the maximum term for the misdemeanor charge due to the circumstances of the crime, in spite of Van Der Wilt’s short criminal history.
Defense attorney Michael Adams asked for probation, as he said it would be the best course of rehabilitation for Van Der Wilt.
McDowell’s father Teddy McDowell and sister Ramona Woodley gave statements for the hearing. In a letter read by court staff, Teddy stated their family was of course still hurting from the crime and he believed in the power of the government to deliver punishment for those crimes. He also stated his faith has allowed him to forgive.
In her statement Woodley said Van Der Wilt’s actions, which included bringing others in on the incident was sickening, but she wouldn’t let him have any power over her life. She also wanted him to understand the gravity of the crime.
Judge Duane Hoffmeyer denied the motion for probation, citing the egregious factors of Van Der Wilt’s conviction of reckless behavior leading to McDowell’s death.
Van Der Wilt received two years in prison, the maximum sentence allowed for his conviction, but did also get credit for his roughly year served in county jail as well.
