Warwick man pleads no contest to DUI that seriously injured young girl, gets 11 years

October 24, 2018 5:02 pm

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Some closure for the family of a Warwick girl who is still recovering after being hit by a drunk driver in May. The judge threw the book at him after he plead no contest and showed little remorse when he apologized.

There’s no question Anthony Sudduth was drunk when he hit 8 year old Haylee Molina as she was going to the park with her family. His blood alcohol level was nearly 5 times over the limit. Haylee was in the court room today but Sudduth would not look at her or her family as he apologized for what he did.

Despite being hit by a drunk driver 5 months ago, Haylee Molina is in remarkably good spirits, on the mend and back in second grade. She’s still in a wheelchair but today’s sentencing seemed to help the family as they try and move forward.

“This is the next step in putting this all behind us and focusing on her healing,” says Amanda Molina, Haylee’s mom.

Anthony Sudduth, the man who hit young Haylee with his SUV in Warwick in May plead no contest. While Haylee’s mother plus the rest of the courtroom got emotional when Haylee’s victim impact statement was read, Sudduth simply stared straight ahead.

“My poor baby will be reminded of this day by her scars for the rest of her life,” Peter Rocklan, Special Assistant Attorney General read.

Sudduth only spoke to the judge when he apologized and showed little remorse.

“It’s changed all of our lives all because of this stupidity that I created. I just hope one day Haylee understands that,” says Sudduth.

He was sentenced to 20 years, 11 to serve. Haylee’s family is satisfied with that sentence but not ready to accept the apology.

“It’s hard to say just because when he first got out of the car he didn’t seem very sorry or apologetic and I can’t get that out of my head. This is the first time I’ve seen him since then,” says Molina.

With a huge smile plastered on her face, Haylee is anxious to get back to normal.

“She’s stronger than I am,” says her mom.

The family is thrilled to see Haylee in such good spirits after she spent more than 3 months at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Doctors originally weren’t sure if she’d ever wake up or lose her leg. She’ll have one more surgery on that leg this Friday.