Orem victim asks for mercy in Christmas Eve fatal crash
SALT LAKE CITY — A man who portrayed Bob Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol” and then lost his wife and two children hours later on Christmas Eve asked for mercy Thursday for the driver responsible for the fatal crash.
Gary Ceran told a judge that he and two surviving children bear no anger toward Carlos Prieto, 25, an illegal immigrant who was drunk when he crashed into the family’s car.
“I want Carlos to know that I forgive him,” Ceran said as Prieto, shackled, also fought back tears a few feet behind him.
“If Carlos were to look me in the eye, shake my hand and say that he’ll do all in his power to see that this will never happen again — that would be enough for us,” Ceran said.
Noting the emotional pleas and Prieto’s lack of criminal history, 3rd District Court Judge Vernice Trease sentenced him to up to 10 years in prison. She could have given a maximum of 15 years.
Prieto, who had a blood-alcohol level of 0.19, more than twice the legal limit, pleaded guilty to three counts of automobile homicide in April. Alcohol-related charges were dropped as part of the agreement.
The Ceran family of Cedar Hills was traveling home after midnight on Dec. 24 when their vehicle was hit broadside by Prieto’s pickup truck at an intersection in Murray.
Hours earlier, Ceran had performed as Cratchit during a play at Hale Center Theatre. The family then attended a cast party and did some holiday shopping.
Cheryl Ceran, 47, Ian Ceran, 15, and Julianna Ceran, 7, were killed in the front seat. Gary Ceran and two other children survived in the back seat.
It wasn’t the first time the family had experienced loss. Three other children, ranging from 3 weeks old to 14 months, died from tumors on their brain stem. Twins born prematurely also died within a day of their birth.
Almost immediately after the crash, Ceran said he had forgiven Prieto.
At the court hearing Thursday, he said he’s been called naive by people who have vilified Prieto for being in the country illegally and driving while drunk.
“I and my children, who have been most injured by his actions both physically and emotionally, harbor no such feelings,” said Ceran, a devout Mormon who quoted Bible passages about forgiveness.
Deputy District Attorney Langdon Fisher said he couldn’t recall ever arguing for a harsher sentence than the one sought by a victim. The prosecutor wanted three consecutive sentences of five years in prison.
“In this situation the state must look beyond the feelings only of the individuals who are most directly impacted by this event,” Fisher told the judge. “Society has an interest in what is done beyond the feelings of the victims.”
When it was his turn, Prieto spoke in broken English.
“First, I just want to thank this wonderful man who has forgiven me,” he said. “I wish I could do something to heal the pain. To heal the heart. Not a time I don’t think about it.”
Prieto said he takes full responsibility for the crash and promised he would never drive drunk again. He hopes one day to take Ceran’s hand, look in his eyes and apologize.
A written apology from Prieto was given to Ceran at the end of the hearing.
This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A1.