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Man, 23, Gets 8 Years In Prison For DUI-Manslaughter

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By TODD LESKANIC

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

Updated: 09/25/2008 10:34 pm

Samuel Stockdale

NEW PORT RICHEY - Life dealt Samuel Stockdale a rough hand.

His biological parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol, forcing him into foster care at a young age. The Stockdale family adopted him when he was 9, but abandoned him when his behavioral problems continued.

Stockdale began using drugs and alcohol at a young age and started amassing a criminal record.

Then, high on methamphetamines, he got behind the wheel on June 27, 2006.

Stockdale and his friend Quintin Knox piled into a Chevy Cavalier but never made it to their destination. Stockdale lost control of the car while driving on Rogerland Road in Shady Hills, crossed over the center line and collided with an oncoming tractor-trailer.

Knox, 22, of Brooksville, died at the scene. Seven months later, Stockdale, 23, was charged with DUI-manslaughter.

On Thursday, he pleaded no contest to the charge.

"I don't like myself anymore for what happened," a tearful Stockdale said. "I wish it was the other way around - that Quintin was alive. I apologize to his family for them having to go through this."
Sentencing guidelines called for Stockdale's going to prison for 10 years and nine months, but Circuit Judge Thane Covert eased that sentence after hearing about Stockdale's background, mental illness and drug abuse. Covert sentenced him to eight years in prison, followed by two years of house arrest and five years' probation.

"Mr. Stockdale, I do see a future for you," Covert said. "I hope you believe you can overcome the troubles and adversity you've had in life and make yourself a productive citizen. That's the best way to show remorse for what you've done."

Knox's family testified for the state, telling Covert of the impact Quintin's death has had on their lives. His mother, Deborah Melgarejo, said her son's upbringing was the complete opposite of Stockdale's. He was raised by two caring parents who were there for him.

Yet, both Knox and Stockdale fell in with the same drug crowd.

"It's not a life I would want for anybody," Melgarejo said. "It's not the life I wanted for my son.

"You will be in my prayers," she said to Stockdale, "and I really want you to try to forgive yourself because the devil will try to keep you beat down in this."
Melgarejo said she has forgiven Stockdale. Her daughter and Quintin's younger sister, Alison Knox, told Stockdale she was still working on that.

"We'll never hear Quintin's laugh or hear the stupid redneck jokes he used to tell," she said. "I know he did have a drug problem, and I know Samuel had one and might still have one. ... I hope he gets help for that, and I hope he turns his life over to God and never comes back through another jail door after this."

Reporter Todd Leskanic can be reached at (727) 815-1084 or tleskanic@tampatrib.com.

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