http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/lake/29970702-418/munster-man-to-get-11-years-for-2011-crash-that-killed-lansing-grandfather.htmlMunster man to get 11 years for 2011 crash that killed Lansing grandfatherBy Ruth Ann Krause Correspondentt September 18, 2014 6:34PM
Updated: September 19, 2014 2:09AM
CROWN POINT, Ind. — A Munster, Indiana, man
admitted in court Thursday that he was drunk and speeding before a fatal 2011 car crash that killed a Lansing grandfather.
Michael Temores, 27, who pleaded guilty to causing the death of Fred Skafgaard, 61, while operating a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level of at least 0.15 percent, will be sentenced to 11 years in prison under terms of the plea agreement that Lake Superior Court Judge Clarence Murray accepted. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 16.
Temores, who has an extensive driving record, including a prior drunken driving conviction, admitted Thursday he was more than two times the legal limit and speeding when his Cadillac SUV slammed into Skafgaard’s truck.
Temores and his friends had been at Aqua Vor Nightclub in Hammond, Indiana, on Dec. 29, 2011, arriving about 10:30 p.m. and leaving around 2:30 a.m. He and his friends were in a special VIP area of the club and were served alcohol to the point of intoxication, plea agreement documents state. Temores had been kicked out of the club, but was allowed back in because he knew security staff there. After leaving, Temores tried to drive to his home in Munster. On the way home, he was driving about 90 mph, running traffic signs and signals.A Munster police officer saw Temores in the Cadillac SUV speeding in the 7500 block of Hohman Avenue and pulled out to pursue it but was unable to catch up to the Cadillac prior to impact.
Temores ran a red light at Hohman Avenue and Ridge Road in Munster and slammed into the driver’s side of Skafgaard’s truck, pushing it about 50 yards before both vehicles stopped near the Christian Reformed Church parking lot. The officer arrived within seconds and tried to help Skafgaard and the individuals in the Cadillac.
A blood draw at Community Hospital in Munster on the morning of the crash showed Temores had a blood-alcohol level of 0.18 percent.
Skafgaard, a married father with grandchildren, was seriously injured and died.
Terms of the plea agreement negotiated with deputy prosecutor Sabrina Haney on Temores’ behalf by defense attorneys Samuel Vazanellis and Paul Stracci call for the entire 11-year sentence to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction, with no option for placement in a program such as Lake County Community Corrections. In addition, Temores’ driver’s license will be suspended for five years and he will not be eligible for a hardship license to allow him driving privileges to and from work.
Temores had been free on bond after he was charged, but Murray revoked his bond in November 2012 after Temores was caught driving in violation of the conditions of his bail.
Temores had faced six to 20 years on the most serious of the charges, one of 18 filed in the case. The remaining charges will be dismissed