Man Learns Fate For Role In Fatal Accident

Thursday, Oct. 6, 2005

Emotions were running high Thursday at the Cowley County Courthouse as a father guilty of three counts involuntary manslaughter is sentenced to prison

“I have relived that scenario over and over and over,” says Dorothy Milliron, a victim’s wife.

In a packed Cowley County courtroom Thursday afternoon, families of three victims pleaded with the court to give Mark Strickland of Ark City the maximum sentence.

Last week, Strickland pled guilty to three counts of involuntary manslaughter. After drinking several beers in June 2004 at a restaurant, his car collided with Dorothy Milliron’s vehicle. Milliron’s husband was killed, so were Strickland’s two passengers, 20-year-old Tyler Merz and another 19-year-old.

“Knowing that my son was lying in that casket was more than any mother should have to bear,” says Mary Merz, Tyler’s mother.

During the sentencing, more than 20 people took the stand, including victim’s family members and some Strickland’s loved ones. They asked the judge not to send Strickland to prison.

Strickland has no criminal history and was described as a friend and father figure to many.

At one point, even Strickland’s attorney was choked up and had to leave the room.

With that, the judge handed down the sentence.

More than three years in prison, to start today.

“I don’t think that you probably intentionally hurt anyone,” says Cowley County Judge Nick St. Peter. “I am still faced with the truth and the truth is that your conduct did not only cause harm, but the most severe harm that can ever be inflicted.”

The victim’s family members did ask the judge to have those sentenced be served consecutively. He ultimately decided that they would be concurrent sentences. In all he will serve 41 months in prison.