Man receives 16-year sentence for crash that resulted in the death of a Connecticut officer and injuries to another person.

A Connecticut man was sentenced on Friday to 16 years in prison for a car crash that resulted in the death of a Hartford police officer and serious injuries to his partner. The incident, which took place in September 2023, involved 20-year-old Richard Barrington, who had previously pled guilty to manslaughter among other charges in April.

At the time of the crash, Barrington was an 18-year-old high school student attempting to evade a traffic stop initiated by Hartford officers. During his flight, he disregarded two red lights, ultimately colliding with a police cruiser driven by Officer Brian Kearney, who had Officer Robert “Bobby” Garten as a passenger. Officer Garten sustained fatal injuries from the impact and later died, while Officer Kearney was hospitalized with serious injuries but was eventually released.

During the sentencing, Judge David P. Gold criticized Barrington’s actions as “shockingly reckless” and handed down a sentence totaling 30 years, of which 16 years must be served in prison. The remaining 14 years of his sentence will be suspended, and upon release, Barrington will be placed on probation for five years.

Barrington expressed remorse for his actions, addressing Garten’s family directly in the courtroom. He acknowledged the pain he had caused, stating that no family should have to endure such grief. Despite his apology, members of Garten’s family were left dissatisfied with the judicial outcome. They had sought a sentence of at least 40 years, feeling that the ruling did not match the gravity of the loss they suffered. William Garten, the victim’s brother, voiced his frustration, questioning the adequacy of the punishment and emphasizing the ongoing impact of his brother’s death on their lives.

The sentencing reflects both the tragic consequences of reckless driving and the complexities of the legal system in addressing such offenses. The Hartford community mourns the loss of Officer Garten while grappling with the implications of this case, which underscores the need for heightened awareness around responsible driving conduct.

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