Erica Knowles

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) -- A Rhode Island man charged in the DUI crash that killed a URI student was sentenced Monday to a punishment the victim's distraught family called unfair.

Justice Melanie Wilk Thunberg sentenced Dean Philbrick to 15 years with seven to serve after he pleaded nolo contendere to DUI death resulting and reckless driving death resulting during a hearing at Washington County Superior Court.

Philbrick, 46, was indicted in connection with the February 2012 crash that killed 23-year-old Erica Knowles. She was a passenger in the back seat of Philbrick's car when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane of travel and then struck a utility pole and tree on a road in South Kingstown.

Philbrick admitted to driving drunk the night of the crash.

During the court proceedings, Knowles's family spoke about how the crash has changed their lives.


The judge also suspended his license for five years upon release and ordered him to attend alcohol counseling. For the reckless driving charge, Philbrick was also sentenced to 10 years with seven to serve, to be served concurrently, and a $5,000 fine.