A Derry man has been sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison for the death of a New Ipswich couple killed when he crashed into them going the wrong way on a one-way highway lane while intoxicated.
Ryan Kittredge of Derry was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to charges of manslaughter and reckless conduct after he made a U-turn and driving the wrong way down Route 101 in Epping in January. He collided with Chevrolet Impala driven by John Johnson, 58, of New Ipswich, with his wife, Heidi Johnson, 57, in the passenger seat. Both were killed.
John Johnson was a recently retired police officer, who had served with the Townsend Police Department since 1978, and remained with the department as one of their reserve officers.
Heidi Johnson worked at the Hannaford Supermarket in Rindge, and had four children, and served as a guardian for her sister.
Kittredge was intoxicated at the time of the crash, having a blood alcohol content of more than twice the legal limit, according to published reports. Kittredge had two prior DUI convictions on his record. Kittredge reportedly apologized to the family during his sentencing, and said he wanted to make amends.
Kittredge originally faced as many as 11 charges, including driving while intoxicated but pled guilty to the manslaughter and reckless conduct charges on a plea deal, according to published reports, saying the crash was a result of a combination of his neurological disorders, sleepless nights and alcohol consumption.
Kittredge is eligible to reduce his 15-year minimum sentence by up to 30 months by completing a substance misuse treatment program, according to published reports.
The courts suspended a 7- to 14-year sentence related to the reckless conduct charges.