Justin Shane, 24, Perrysburg, was sentenced to three years in prison Friday for causing a crash that
killed his passenger in 2012.
Shane pleaded guilty in November to one count of second-degree aggravated vehicular homicide as part of a
plea deal.
According to Ohio Highway Patrol troopers, on Aug. 29, 2012, Shane was westbound on Dowling Road at a
high rate of speed when his vehicle went off the north side of the road, crossed Carter Road and struck
a tree.
The crash killed his passenger, 31-year-old Crystal McLaughlin, of Bradner.
Shane had a blood-alcohol level of 0.198, higher than the legal limit of 0.08.
Prior to sentencing, Wood County Common Pleas Court Judge Alan Mayberry heard from a series of witnesses
who spoke to Shane’s character.
Shane’s father, David, said he had worked with the victim for 10 years, but did not blame his son for the
crash.
"As a father, you continue to try to teach your children, no matter how old they are."
"I would change places with Crystal if I could to spare my son," said Justin’s mother, Peggy
Shane.
A letter from McLaughlin’s daughter, Aubrey Spalding, was also read in court.
"What happened did not change the way I look at Justin," the letter read. "He and I will
be forever best friends."
Speaking in court, Shane said, "I’m sorry for all the pain that I’ve brought to all of the families.
Crystal was one of my best friends and if I could change places I would."
He was sentenced to three years on the vehicular homicide. He was also sentenced on a misdemeanor OVI
count and was given 180 days in jail . The sentences are concurrent. He was also fined $525, and will
have his driver’s license suspended for five years.