Edward Washington was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years, for a fatal crash on Highway 544 near CCU on October 29, 2016, according to a press release from the 15 Circuit Solicitor’s Office.
According to the press release, evidence showed that Washington was driving on 544 when he struck 19-year-old Ryan Bielawa, a CCU student crossing the highway to the Circle K convenience store. Bielawa died from his injuries.
An expert witness testified that a blood test showed that Washington had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.239 percent, well above the legal driving limit of 0.08 percent. He also did not stop at the scene of the crash but returned a few minutes later and started a fight with some witnesses.
“The amount of alcohol consumed at 0.239 is egregious,” said Josh Holfordm, senior assistant solicitor. “A 19-year-old boy lost his life … there is no amount of punishment that can serve to replace that life.”
Ryan’s mother, Mary Ellen Bielawa, and his older brother, Kevin Bielawa attended the trial. Both asked for the maximum sentence of 25 years.
“He had so much life to give, so much to achieve … and that’s all gone because Mr. Washington made a choice to get behind the wheel,” Kevin Bielawa said to the court his voice thick with emotions. “Ryan was my only sibling and my best friend.”
“Losing Ryan has devastated my life and his brother, Kevin’s, life. It’s always been just the three of us,” Mary Ellen Bielawa said with tears streaming down her face before Washington was sentenced. “My son was a beautiful person.”
15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson says this should serve as a warning to those considering drinking and driving. “We want anyone who reads this to choose to pay for a cab or rideshare instead of putting the lives of innocent people in danger or risk 20 years in prison by driving drunk,” Richardson said. “It’s so easy these days to find a way to get home safely after drinking.”
