Talk of Waco

By annette

July 24, 2008 5:08 AM | Link to this

Probation please he needs to spend the rest of his life in jail and made to remember what he did for ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Tom

July 24, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

What this man did to these innnocent people is way beyond probation for punishment! Let him think about the choices he made in prison for many years and let him be a lesson to any other foolish people that think drinking and doing drugs is just one big party! What a shame that so many people these days have so little respect for their fellow man and for their Almighty GOD! Whether JESUS returns during our lifetime or not, when you die the choices that you made are final, where will you be spending etenity? You had better think about it now, The End is closer than you think - SEEK GOD TODAY!

By sighing

July 24, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

His former mother in law says he’d be a good candidate for probation? Wow. Given a chance my mother in law would sell me up the river for overdrawing the checking account.

If this guy is a “good candidate for probation,” then I’d hate to see someone who wasn’t. He killed a mother and injured three innocent children. Not only does he deserve prison, he deserves as much time there as he can get. He really deserves to be made the boy toy of big bubba while he’s there too.

By Jack

July 24, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this

I believe that the anytime you take a life in the commission of a crime (DUI , robbery, family assult, etc. ) that there should be only one sentence, and that would should be the death sentence, and that sentence should be carried out in a timely fashion ( no more than six months ). If the laws were changed to give the death sentence in the event of a death caused by a DUI driver I really believe that we would have less DUI on our roadways. You take a life than you should have to give up your life………bottom line!

By Ange

July 24, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

if Doug feels as remorseful and he says and tries to act for the camera, how could he possibly feel he does not deserve a prison term. I would think he would accept accountability. He cries for the camera, but wants to cause the family more grief by not paying his debt. PLUS how hard is it to “clean up” when your sitting in jail - of course he’s clean now. WOW! I am so excited for him.

By Maddmom

July 24, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

I agree with Jack. Drunks who use their car as a murder weapon should be put to death. It is no different than if they took a gun and shot the person. Those poor children will suffer forever because of Church’s actions. It’s a shame he wasn’t killed also.

By upset

July 24, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this

It absolutely crazy for anyone to even consider getting up in front of a jury and asking for probation after something like this. That should be against the law in its self. Why would we give some one like him probation? Did they not hear what Officer Ortega said- he pulled him over and then realized that he had a warrant for not showing up to court!! Do you really think he would serve his probation right??? If the death of his own brother did not change him what makes anyone think that the death of a woman he did not even know will change anything? I guess tears have a lot of power with some. If he is such a great guy why is she his “ex” mother in law?

By jj

July 24, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

HE DOESN’T JUST NEED LIFE IN PRISON HE NEEDS THE DEATH PENALTY!!!

By friendofdebbie

July 24, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

No amount of time that Church spends in jail…and I hope he spends a LONG time there… will equal the years of pain that Debbie’s family will suffer from this. This is not Church’s first brush with being caught drinking and driving. How can he possibly be a “good candidate” for probation? He has shown on at least three different occassions that he will not abide by the law- (ONE) He had an arrest warrent for DUI when he was (TWO) stopped with the meth accessories in his car and (THREE) the night he killed Debbie. I trust the jury will not be fooled by his tears.

By upset

July 24, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

The fact that he cries is merely a show for all who will go along with it. I am sure that he is depressed not because of his brother or anything other than he has spent two years in jail. I am sure that for some one like him being sober that long is a hard thing to deal with. I am sure if he gets 50 years then when he gets out he will be drinking again. I don’t know he would ask for probation considering the amount of people that he would have to deal with if he was out. I bet it would be more miserable for him if was walking the streets of West with the French family around then to be behind bars.

By hollie

July 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

This was a murder.Not only should Church get the Death Penalty, but what about Filer and church’s mom who tampered with the evidence. They need to go to prison also. If Filer wasn’t wanting to race with Church this would of never happened and i would still have my Best Friend and what it has done to my Friends family that is still suffering from this, and will alway’s live with this.My children and Debbie’s kids were all friends. It is sad that we don’t see them much any more since all this has happened. We still love them very much and are here for them we they need us. Church and Filer deserve to be in Prison the rest of their lives or the death penalty……….

By null

July 24, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this

I wonder where his mom is this week. We haven’t heard much about her throughout the trial other than the fact that she was trying to cover up for him.

By hollie

July 24, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

This was a murder.Not only should Church get the Death Penalty, but what about Filer and church’s mom who tampered with the evidence. They need to go to prison also. If Filer wasn’t wanting to race with Church this would of never happened and i would still have my Best Friend and what it has done to my Friends family that is still suffering from this, and will alway’s live with this.My children and Debbie’s kids were all friends. It is sad that we don’t see them much any more since all this has happened. We still love them very much and are here for them we they need us. Church and Filer deserve to be in Prison the rest of their lives or the death penalty……….

By For Real!

July 24, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Your comments are right on! A real man with any heart would have not even asked for probation. Doug is a shame to humanity! The sad part is he will never receive what he truly derserves for the horror and pain and scars he has left on Mr. French and his children. I hope the liberal judges and lawyers in our society will wake up and see that DWI’s need serious jail time. Close the book and never show his face or print his name again!

By upset

July 24, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this

Along with whatever he is sentenced…hopefully the max. I also think that he should be responsible for all the expenses this has brought on the French family.

By T. Duff

July 24, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this

I honestly don’t believe Mr. Church world be a good candidate for probation. He has already had several brushes with the law involving drugs and alcohol. It’s time for him to be held accountable for his actions. I’m just sorry he didn’t learn from his mistakes before he caused such a horrendous tragedy.

I can only pray that God will relieve the physical and mental pain from the families involved. I pray that he will remove all their fears and help them to live the rest of their lives as normal as humanly possible. They have scars and the loss of a loved one that will forever remind them of that dreadful night.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you will fill the minds and hearts of all those close to the families with memories of happier times. Ease their pain and remove any fear and animosity they may possess. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

By give me a break

July 24, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Again I point out that Church’s mother told a lot of people that Church did not call 911 right after the accident to get medical help for Deb and the kids, he called HER so she could come clean the beer cans out of his truck. Only THEN, at least 30 minutes later, did they call for help.

No one can justify that heartless action. It’s hard to believe someone could be SO self centered to leave those people suffering in the dark because they have to call mommy to clean the evidence out of his truck first.

By null

July 24, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

I do have to say that I am glad this is all over the news and in the papers with pictures, so that if he does get to walk (hopefully not) everyone will know his face and remember him for what he did and not the innocent person he apparently tries to portray himself as.

By concerned

July 24, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

As far as Doug not calling 911 I can not explain his action!! However, I can shed some light on the fact that he was not the only other person at the scene immediately following the accident. Before his mother ever was called there were two other men at the scene immediately following the accident! It is not as if Doug just left these people to die while he called his mother! There were two men helping the French family and calling 911!!! I don’t know how anyone can cast judgement not having been at the scene. Yes, we are hearing the media tell the story but we are only hearing bits and pieces of what actually happened that tragic night!!!!!

By Scared of West

July 24, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Was it truly 30 minutes before they called for help? I also find it interesting that they never found her billfold! Wonder if that got picked up during the “clean up” that mom did?

By null

July 24, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

I don’t even think it is the fact that some one else was there I think it is the point of the matter. Who on earth would think of calling someone to come clean up your truck with it as bad as it was. I can completely see where there is a concern. I do understand that he was intoxicated and not thinking right but there is no excuse to call anyone other than 911. It also stated that he called his wife and explained to her that he was in a serious wreck.

By upset

July 24, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Does anyone think that it was crazy how fast mom and friend bailed out of jail? There are way to many people out there that are willing to help people who do wrong!!!

By null

July 24, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Is there anyone who is close to the defendants side of this? Why did they call the ex- mother in law and not the ex wife

By concerned

July 24, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe that Doug is trying to portray himself as INNOCENT!! I BELIVE THAT HE PLEADED GUILTY ON MONDAY!! And yes he is guilty and i completely agree that he deserves punishment, but is locking him up for 50 years going to bring this wonderful woman back or take away the pain that this family is feeling? I believe the one thing he could do is become an advocate against drunk driving and tell his story to young people and how it destroyed the life of this family and his own life!!! Maybe that will make a difference to atleast one person and if so then that is one less drunk driving accident!!! And no telling how many lifes that will save!!!

By WakeUpWest

July 24, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

For all of you on here just having a bashing session - let me, let you in on some real pain and confusion that many people from the City of West - those like myself are going through (and this is not the first time).

Last night I went home and turned on the news and saw my friend on television, we went to school together, were in band together, laughed together and joked together - his name is Allan. I watched his face and saw how hollow his eyes are now - the same ones that were always animated - you see he was quite the jokester. He has aged 20 years since I saw him last. On a screen behind his head I saw pictures of his beautiful wife, my friend, Debbie, that smile - the one that was always there. She never had a bad word to say about anyone - and there were several times that people gave her reason to say bad things about them. But there she was frozen in time with that beautiful smile and I remembered, Girl Scouts, Junior High Dances, High School Band Trips and seeing her out with her beautiful children……. Then the screen flashed to another familiar face that of a little boy who I had babysat - I saw him not as an adult but as a mischevious little boy asking for just one more popsicle, or needing a hug because his big brother had just been mean to him. At that moment my mind flashed back to a time 8 years ago when I was visiting my parents on Labor Day for our annual Labor Day cookoff - we had seen helicopters flying near our house and did not know why - and several hours later seeing Emmanual Mitchell’s car come up my parent’s driveway and to see the look on his face when he told us that they had just found Robert. You see West is a small town - this is a dilema that several of it’s citizens face.

The thing is - we have all had to face these same dilemas too many times - I remember driving through West on a Sunday afternoon after a weekend in Dallas with my husband and a wreck on the access road - they would not let us off the interstate so we had to continue on to Waco - I tried and tried on my cell to reach my parents to make sure it wasn’t my brother - it was so close to my house and he had just gotten his license - all phone lines in West were busy - we just kept getting that “System Busy” signal. When we finally got through we found out it was Danny Machac - oh my gosh the things that go through your head when you lose a friend, especially one so close to your own age. Then to find out that his cousin was drunk and driving - we all loved Shane - the emotions - are you mad at him, does your heart break for him? Oh my gosh, how must his parents feel, their beloved child taken from them by their beloved nephew?

Then when Ashton was killed - I remember always thinking how beautiful she was when I saw her out when I went to town to visit. Then when I heard about the tragedy - the Kutcherousky’s are neighbors - and more than that, over half the town is or was a student of their uncle Tim Sullins.

Somewhere, somehow, sometime, the pain and confusion needs to stop. Doug needs to be punished for what he did. Lacey’s sentence was too light. Soewhere, somehow, sometime, the people in West need to say - we need to stop killing ourselves, we need to stop killing our own loved ones.

I left the town and heritage that I loved - for my children. I did not want them to be raised with the peer pressure and challenges that I faced growing up. My kids know - that if you take a drink (even if it is just one) - you pick up the phone and call me, I don’t care how late, I don’t care how far you are - I will come get you. My friends know that I will not take one drink when we are out so that I can drive each and every one of them home safely. This is a pledge that I made the first time I had to watch my friends parents cry at a funeral way to early. I have said on posts on here several times, that I have not been to a class reunion yet, but that I see my classmates at least once a year - and sadly it has so far been at funerals.

By friend

July 24, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

He didn’t call his mom to clean up his truck as everyone thinks….mom got there…got the cooler out of the back and put in back of her truck, cooler was empty, not thinking she was “cleaning up” just thinking about truck getting towed, ect….they were all in shock…not trying to to really cover anything up….

By concerned

July 24, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I don’t believe that Doug called his mother with the intention of having her clean up the evidence at the scene!! I beleive that he called her to let her know that he was in a serious accident as well!! If people really knew what they were talking about he may have called his mother because she had been going to school to be a nurse or something directly related to the medical proffesion!! Because I know the family I would be willing to bet that it was his mothers idea to clean up the scene!!!!

By null

July 24, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

His own dad did that and it did not even take a toll on him. It takes more than just talking to someone to make them realize how serious this can be. I think by letting him talk to people about it just puts him back on the streets for it to happen again.

By People Lover

July 24, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

He should have been an advocate against drunk driving after his brother died. Or after his DWI? Or after he was arrested for drugs and having an arrest warrant for his DWI? Why is he now trying to avoid jail time when he has had TOO MANY CHANCES ALREADY? If everyone who kills someone while drinking and driving gets probation, it will never end. There has to be adequate punishment.

By null

July 24, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

I hope they throw the book at him because he deserves everything that is coming to him!! You’re right somebody else besides Mr. Church was at the scene, but what everybody doesn’t know is that after Doug’s friend helped for a brief moment, he drove to his house so the police would not see him. He was actually arrested and taken into custody at his place of work. If not for Andrew telling police their was another vehicle involved, they would of never been able to put the pieces together. I hope everybody involved in this accident spends a lot of time in jail for their actions right after the accident and what they’ve done to this family. You would think Doug would of learned a lesson from what happened to his brother! Apparently not!!

By null

July 24, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

whatever happened to his friend other than a few hours in jail?

By concerned

July 24, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

Again Doug is a very young man!!! Sometimes when we are young we have to make mistakes several times before we ever learn our lesson!!! I think he has finally learned his lesson!! I agree that the lives of the French family should not have been ruined in the process!! This world is a cruel and unusual place as we all know! But, just because Doug was not one of the lucky young people who can be forever changed by the story or events that took place in his life,prior to this, does not mean that there aren’t any young people out there who might!! And if he can affect just one person, the chain reaction to that can be amazing! As we have seen when someone is killed in a drunk driving accident it is not just the people in the accident affected it is the entire family. So imagine how many lives could be affected if he reached one young person and kept them from making the same tragic mistake!!!

By Scared of West

July 24, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I found this on the KWTX website from 8/2006

“His father Jack Church now lives in Florida where he operates a Web site focused on the dangers of drinking and driving as part of a national outreach to educate and increase the awareness of teenagers about the potential consequences of mixing alcohol and automobiles.”

It seems as though the father tried to touch lives in a positive manner. What a shame the mother did not. I am disgusted that she was training to be a nurse and her first instinct was to clean up the mess.

By And...

July 24, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

Why is it so hard to believe that Doug would call his mother, mother-in-law and/or wife? (I don’t know what order or who was actually called or when including 911) I understand the little boy in the accident asked to use a phone to call his dad. Anyone who’s ever been in an accident knows that you call your loved ones and let them know. Now as to the order of calling and who called whom, I hope that all comes out in the trial and sets things straight once and for all. Hopefully it will be determined that 911 was the FIRST call as it SHOULD have been.

By null

July 24, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

So we let Doug go tell his story to all the kids and what they hear is we can drink and drive several times and even get pulled over drunk and do a little time befor anything serious happens or we kill somebody. Then we just have to go around talking about it to underage kids. That is not what I want my kids to hear.

By concerned also

July 24, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

to concerned,

I agree that his life can teach a lesson, that if you are given chances and you refuse to take them and you take the life and lives of others, you PAY FOR IT. That’s the lesson they need to see.

the best lesson is that other young people see that you pay for your crime by going giving up your life and going to JAIL, not out free, going to schools and speaking to kids. Not for this kind of henious crime, they don’t need to see that you can kill and maime people and walk around free.

This wasn’t a first time offense, just a continuation of a wasted life wasting other lives. What Church and his mom teach is that some people can not learn no matter HOW many chances they have.

By null

July 24, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

As for the phone calls- we are comparing a repeat offender of drunk driving to kid who is trying to wake up his mother that was killed in front of him. I am sure the little boy was scarred, not trying to cover things up and clean out his truck, and wanting someone who he has trust and comfort with. He was on a dark road all alone with his sisters screaming for help.

By NYC

July 24, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Instead of condemning this individual to “rot in jail” the way some of you are expressing in your comments, why don’t we send individuals like Doug, who was involved in such horrific incident/accident and make these individuals put up street lights in every town especially those narrow streets and dirt roads. This way people would be able to see what is coming and not only rely/depend on our vehicle lights and poor judgment. These streets are way too dark!!! I, for one, can vouch for that. I was not raised here and am not from Texas and let me tell you it is hard for me to drive down some of these streets with no lights without kissing the windshield to help me see where I am going and I don’t drink so imagine that!!!!

The money we American Citizens, tax-payers would pay to feed, shelter and educate these victims in jail, lets invest on something more constructive like street lights and maybe this will elevate more deaths and prevent more accidents and lets also educate people who enjoy drinking that it is okay as long as they do not drive afterwards!!!!!

By concerned

July 24, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I agree that Doug deserves consequences!!! But lets face the facts he has served two years in the county jail already. During these two years the only time we have heard this tragic story is when the accident happened and now!! If they just simply lock him up his story will fall through the cracks. How many young people can hear this story after the media looses interest and he is locked up in a state jail somewhere for 50 yrs!! I think that he should probably do a few more years and then as conditions of his parole speak w/young people about Drunk driving!!!

By null

July 24, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

there is new info on his mom testifying.

By justareader

July 24, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Before we crucify Mr.Church lets see the hands of everyone who has ever drove drunk.Be honest .Aren’t you thankful this didn’t happen to you ?

By null

July 24, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

I am sure if we quit spending tax dollars to educate people in the pen with great degrees that they will never be able to use to do their records and quit letting them watch cable tv and don’t give them internet and don’t let them continue to go to court to try to get a lesser sentencing maybe we as tax-payers could afford to do something like that. I also think it is a total waste of time for them to even be in court! There is a law he broke it he should do the time. Who cares what he has to say now after almost 2 years of thinking about what he did and what he should say to get everyone to feel as if he is an ok individual to walk the streets! This is ridiculous she never had time to think of what her last words would be to her children she was just taken right in front of them and he should be taken from the streets too.

By disgusted

July 24, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

according to Tina Churches own admission to several of us here in West, 911 was NOT called until after she was called and had time to get to the scene and attempt to clean up the mess. Then they called.

By null

July 24, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

If everyone thinks he should talk to schools about this why can’t they make to where he gets escorted from jail in cuffs by an officer to the schools? Not let out of jail on probabtion. Stay in jail and only get out when he has somewhere to go and taken by police so the kids see that too!

By WakeUpWaco

July 24, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

All of those on here doing nothing but bashing need to take a deep breath and read what I am about to write. It is a story about hurt, tears, and gut wrenching confusion - and it is right now plaguing most of the citizens of West (and some of us who have chosen to leave West).

Last night I came home from work and turned on my local news and there on the screen was my friend, Allan. What I saw broke my heart, instead of the bubbly, laughing, and light hearted friend that I remembered from our years in high school band and even from running into him in the years since, I saw a broken, shell of a man with hollow eyes who has aged 20 years since I last saw him. On the screen behind him flashed pictures of my other friend Debbie, with her beautiful, welcoming smile. The smile that never left her face, she never had an unkind word to say about anyone - even though there were times that people deserved them. There she was frozen in time with that beautiful smile and I remembered Girl Scout sleepovers, Middle School dances, High School band trips and running into her with those beautiful children of hers and I remembered that smile that never left her face. Then the camera moved to another familiar face - but I didn’t see the adult man their I saw the mischevious little boy that I baby sat - asking for just one more popsicle, can I please stay up just a little longer, and needing a hug because his big brother had been mean to him. Seeing that image brought me to a terrible day 8 years ago when Emmanual Mitchell broke the news that he had just left the ambulance and they had found Robert. It all flooded back. And the confusion was overwhelming - the anger that my friend was gone and other than pictures that smile is gone forever, the shell of a man my friend is now, the fear for that “little boy” - the one that cuddled in my lap and begged me to marry him when he grew up. And I thought back to how many times have we, the citizens and former citizens of West had to feel that.

I remember a Sunday afternoon, I was on the interstate just passing through West to my home in Lorena, the sirens and lights on the access road. Getting home to find out that Danny Machac was dead. Drunk driving was the cause - the driver was his cousin Shane. I remember that day being furious that Danny was gone, the pain. But I also remember the pain I felt for Shane - I knew and loved him too. Then I remember thinking about Danny’s parents and brother and sister - How, How do you deal with that - your beloved son and brother are gone, it was a preventable accident and the person to blame is your beloved nephew and cousin. I think we all went through the confusion and pain then too.

The same thing with Lacey and Ashton - and far too many more to list here.

Doug needs to be punished, and severly. Lacey’s punishment was too light. The people in West need to wake up.

When, where, and how - will the people in this town wake up and realize that much of the pain and confusion they are heaping on themselves?

When, where, and how - will the people in this town wake up and say enough is enough - we need to start teaching, living and enforcing that drinking and driving are not right?

I left a town and heritage that I loved so that my children would not be faced with the peer pressure and the problems that I faced growing up. My children know that if they have a drink (even just one) - call me I don’t care how late, I don’t care how far and I will come and get you. Everyone of my friends know that I will not have a single drink while we are out so that I can ensure that each and everyone of us makes it home okay. These are promises that I made standing over the coffins of friends that left me way to early. I have said in other posts on here that I have not had a class reunion yet but that I have seen my classmates at least yearly and it has been at a funeral. That needs to stop.

By null

July 24, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

For everyone that thinks Church deserves 50 years in prison that is your own opinion. As for the person that said that he needs to go to jail so other people will see what happens. The fact is putting somebody in jail isn’t going to stop drunk driving. Has putting somebody in jail for robbery stopped people from robbing. Maybe just a little. Plus how many people are locked up for only two years have done much worse. This case should have been pleaded out and not have gone this far. The family is having to re-live the event all over again. For those that don’t know this happened about ten years ago in West with another West boy and the person only got ten years probation after running somebody over and killing them. Church has already spent two years in jail. What’s fare about that?????????????????????

By null

July 24, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

The whole think is that this is not his first time and apparently the times that he has been in jail have no changed hime. So yes I do believe that he needs more to attempt to change him.

By jutareader

July 24, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Haven’t seen that show of hands yet!Instead of concerning yourself with what the Mom teaches maybe you should focus on what you preach.Everyone who has lived around West for long knows drinking is an accepted way of life,from the parents on down.I also find it hard to believe that the Mom would admit to a felony to any of the good citizens of West!

By West Resident

July 24, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Church deserves death. 50 years in jail is way too good for this monster. Death is what he gave Debbie French!! And I TOTALLY agree with the reader that posted they DO NOT want Church talking to their children in schools. I do not want my children anywhere near this horrible human being or influenced in any way from him. What he did and the choices he made over and over again resulted in this tragedy. He had more than enough chances to straighten up and chose not to! Now he needs to pay - if we want to use him to teach children in schools show pictures of his worthless self in JAIL!!!

By West Resident

July 24, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

I agree that he should get 50 years in jail. People keep saying that Doug’s friends were at the scene helping the children while Doug he was busy calling his mother. First off, he called 911 about 30 minutes after the accident. Second, his friends didn’t help out. One of the men that was in the other vehicle took off and hid at home, afraid of being caught by the police. It wasn’t until Andrew told the police that their was another vehicle in the other lane that brought about certain questions. Doug’s friend was actually put into custody at his place of work. Being that I live right where the accident took place and our family knew the French family, it’s just terrible how idiotic some people can be. I hope he gets 50 years in jail and I hope the death of Debbie runs through his mind and antagonizes him for the rest of his life.

By Shocked

July 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I have kept up with this story for the last 2 years. This was a trajic accident/mistake/loss of life. There is alot of hurt and emotion going on with everyone involved. WHO IS ANYONE TO SIT IN JUDGEMENT This is in the lords hands now and whatever he thinks is appropriate will happen. I know everyone has their own opinion of the whole situation and there are some that will speak without realizing what they have done wrong in their past. Only GOD and the victim’s family will be the one’s that he will need to beg for forgiveness from, noone else!!! As a christian I hope the lord keeps his hands on everyone involved with this whole situation. PS: As the saying goes, don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.

By Disgusted

July 24, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

GIVE HIM THE CHAIR!!

NEXT IN LINE NEED TO BE HIS MOTHER AND FRIEND RACING HIM.

THEY ALL DESERVE EXECUTION.

By Disgusted

July 24, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

TO “jutareader” who commented below, I am from West and this IS NOT a way of life for myself and my family. TALK FOR YOURSELF!!

Church deserves the Max … along with everyone else involved that broke the law, like his mother and friend.

By tiredofstupidpeople

July 24, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

Please all of you…shut up….this is pointless…read the story…it is not multiple choice… We do not need your ignorant “Oh I knew cletus when…” opinions on every detail of this trial…for crying out loud SHUT THE HELL UP AND QUIT TALKING!!!

By tiredofstupidpeople

July 24, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

SORRY FOR MY COMMENT BELOW…. I WAS BEING STUPIDER THAN ANY OF YOU…

I BELIEVE HE NEEDS THE CHAIR ALSO.

By Camapaigning for Justice

July 24, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Hey Null your right it won’t stop drinking by putting drunks in jail. What is needed is 1st offense DWI laws that are tough 2 years mandatory no probation 1st offense. What can you expect when lawyers and judges drink and own alcohol establishments(In west). Accepted way of life then sober folks should move out of West to protect their families I guess. How come the other racing driver is convicted also.

By Judgement Day

July 24, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

You know I have sat here reading all these comments and it has really gotten to me.I cried when I read a few of them. I know alot of people from West and have even partied with alot of them. I to have drove drunk and did it again and again in the past years of my teens. I really did not think of what it would cause and who it would hurt. You want to know why I didn’t think about it, is because when you are drinking you don’t think of the things that could happen.People always think it won’t happen to me. Now that I am grown and I see more and more of people dieing from it and what has happen I have come to realize….. what the hell was I thinking driving like that all them times. I am very lucky nothing has ever happen to me or anyone else I was on the road with all those nights. I faced that when my father killed his self one night being so drunk. It was one mile from home. I am so sad he is gone but am happy he never hurt anyone but himself that night. It takes one mistake and one moment to change someones life. I am sure that more then half these people making all these comments have had a beer or 5 beers before in there life and made the desition to drive. The only reason I am writing this is becasue I know what he did is wrong and he will have to pay for that the rest of his life. But it really upsets me that some people are very mean on here and cut throating when they have done the same thing in there lifetime. I am soooo sorry for both the families in this case. No one wins and no ones losses in this case. I do think he should pay for what he has done to that family. I do think he should get 50 to life. But come on people why say all them things it is not wright. Keep that to yourself god will deside what happens to him. Not you people……. May god be with all the families during this hurtful time.

By KC

July 24, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Regardless of what the judge sentances is for Church, this is a life sentance for everyone involved. Truely a lose-lose situation. The same as the French’s family is sentanced to a ife without their wife and mother and siblings being forced to move away from each other, Church and his family will be tormented for the rest of their lives about this-with ot without jail time. Could you imagine accidentally killing someone, injuring small children, and ripping a family apart? Living the rest of my life with knowing I did that to a family would be far worse than death.

By B. Responsible

July 24, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

I am so glad to read the difference of opinions being offered here. How nice it is to live in a land where a person can freely post their opinions without fear of retrobution. While reading I noticed that some people believe that Doug Church should be released on probation. Some others think that he deserves “the chair”. Some people warn not to throw rocks if you live in a glass house. Well, as for me, I am also a Christian. I believe in forgiveness and that judgement belongs to God. However, my God also commands me to follow the laws of the land. Therefore, if I don’t, I am subject to their penalties. Doug Church and his mother knew what they were doing was wrong. Do I believe that they could have been in shock and delayed calling 911? Maybe… However, it is a little hard to think that it was “shock” that caused Doug Church to down beer after beer. It is hard to think that “shock” caused Doug Church to decide to race on a two lane road with oncoming traffic. Doug Church chose, once again, to break the laws of this land. Laws that are put in place to protect us all. That being said. My opinion is that Doug Church be taught a new lesson. It starts with the words “Be gone from Me, I never knew you.”

By I agree

July 24, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

Thank you Judgement Day for your comment. It actually is thought provoking and I too have cried reading some of these horrible comments. I am sorry for the loss of you Father.

By Alwal

July 24, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I have compassion for the loss of the lives, a beautiful family devastated by the loss of their love one, all because of alchohol.

I believe this person should be locked up forever, would you want to meet him on the road???????????

By BS

July 24, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

I have one question to all say that we shouldn’t pass judgement. Are the people on the jury sinners for passing judgement and handing down punishment? Have you ever served jury duty? Let’s not be hypocrites here.

By Over with It All

July 24, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

Please stop this accident lingo. Getting into a car drunk and racing on a country road in the wrong lane is not an accident! It is premeditated murder. This was the third time he was stopped under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Strike three in the penitentiary Dough!

By West graduate

July 24, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

What is heartbreaking is the French family story. Those innocent children without their mother. What is pathetic is he was stopped with drug evidence in the truck, failing to appear for a DWI, etc etc. I wonder where he learned his lifestyle from? Sickening

By n/a

July 24, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

i moved away years ago, but I remember doug church walking through the hallways in the elementary school. I remember his mother, and his older brother Robert. Robert died in an alcohol related accident years before his brother’s current problems. I’m sure she was in a panic when she heard about what had happened to Doug…and I believe what she did was out of that same panic and fear. I feel awful for the French family, and the Church family, I know them both personally, maybe some of the opinions you people wish to express should be kept to yourselves, and just let the courts and jurors do their job.

By Family of Doug

July 24, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

I am a member of the Church family. I am a distant cousin. I hope you all read my words and not twist them. I am not saying Doug should not be held accountable… the courts will see that he is. I just want to say something to you all. Doug is quite aware of what his actions caused. He is quite aware that because he chose to drink and drive, and drive recklessley, that a woman was killed. He knows she was a loving wife and a loving mother. He is not a monster, as some of you are portraying him to be. He is a young man who made a bad decision that ended with devastation. I am not trying to simplify the ‘bad decision’. We all know what happened. Rather than beat that point to the ground, I hope all of you remember this. The French family needs peace, they need healing. Are you a community who first throws stones at an offender, or one who rallies around the victims with love? Stabs at Doug don’t help the French’s. Name calling won’t bring Debbie back. Doug is quite aware of the sentencing facing him. We have to trust the powers that be for justice. I understand what Doug has done, just as I understand what he faces. My prayers are for the families. For the French’s. For us Church’s. The loss is overhelming for the French’s. I cannot fathom the heartache. My heart breaks as I read the testimony of her family. But, you all must know that the devastation pours freely through both families. I know you are angry. Does tearing down a young man even further than the courts will make you feel better? Possibly, would lifting up the family of Debbie French be a good place to start to heal your community? Love them. For those of you quoting scripture, please remember we are called to love all. Even Doug Church. I am not taking away from what he has done…. do not misquote me. I am saying that attacking him will not help the French family. We are not the Judge. Let Justice be served. We are called to Love. Use that love to help the French’s.

By Leroy

July 24, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Laws are made to protect the public and punish those who fail or refuse to abide by them. Repeat offenders who violate the laws that lead to this type of tragedy deserve nothing less than the maximum sentence the law allows. KC is dead wrong by assuming everyone is like Church and are habitual offenders of DUI and drug abuse. There are those who can drink responsibly and then you have those who know no bounderies or even care. This is not a case of getting busted the first time for making a bad decision. This is a career criminal who has proven he has no respect for the law or the lives of other people. Probation is for first time offenders who have proven they have earned a second chance.

By From Waco

July 24, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

NYC…Street lights would not have saved Debbie’s life. Doug handing over his keys would have. :(

By Take it Seriously

July 30, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I’m sure he’s sorry for what happened, but that doesn’t change the situation and what happened to the other family. It’s devastating to them. He’s not a monster, but when things like that happen, people have to be punished. My ex was finally punished for the drugs he did, but that doesn’t change what me and my son went through. But when it involves other people dying because of someone’s carelessness, it must be taken seriously and they must be punished. People like that don’t change very easily - I know from first hand experience, what I went through with my ex. He wouldn’t quit the drugs and didn’t care to. Probation for something like this is NOT NEAR ENOUGH. I don’t think anyone deserves probation when another life is taken. I don’t know what on earth I would do if something like this ever happen to my son or someone in my family…it’s devastating. He deserves jail time - especially when he has had trouble with drugs and drinking and driving in the past. Those children will be forever haunted by that accident and now have to grow up without their mother.