Fifty-year-old Brian Keith Woods is set to spend 35 years in prison for the May 19, 2018 crash that took the life of a pedestrian and hurt two other people on Interstate Highway 20.

He was sentenced on Friday to the maximum 20 years for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle after he was found guilty of killing Sylvia Marie Keiter.

Woods also received a maximum ten-year sentence for intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury. This stemmed from injuries sustained by Sheri Beeson. He received five years imprisonment for intoxication assault relating to Justin Woods.

Judge Brad Morin of the 71st Judicial District ordered that the sentences be served consecutively following a request by Harrison County District Attorney Reid McCain.

Almost two years ago, a pickup truck was heading westbound on the highway when the driver fell asleep and the vehicle hit the inside barrier. The vehicle came to rest partially in the outside lane of the highway on the overpass of FM 31.

Two motorists traveling behind the truck saw the collision and stopped to help the driver.

Another driver stopped and pulled the disabled vehicle off the interstate.

As the group waited for responders to arrive, Brian Keith Woods struck them on the shoulder of IH-20.

Keiter, 25, was killed instantly while Beeson’s right leg was severely injured. Justin Woods, who is not related to the now-convicted driver, suffered a broken leg.

Toxicology reports show that Wood had alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and amphetamine in his body.

The District Attorney said he hoped the verdict who would send a strong message that alcohol-related offences will be taken seriously by his office.

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