Victim's family angry with outcome of deadly DUI case

By: Phil Pendleton - Email

Updated: Fri 8:16 PM, Aug 17, 2012

LONDON, Ky. (WKYT) - Willie Smith was headed to his Corbin home the night of September 16, 2010, but he never made it.

He was involved in an accident on Ky. 80.

Police charged the other driver with murder and DUI.

Later, than man, Christopher Caudill, was convicted of second degree manslaughter.

On Friday, he was sentenced to 10 years.

The victim’s family says those charges just aren’t enough.

“I think people think that because it was a car, and not a knife or a gun, that’s not truly murder,” said Kathy Smith, Willie Smith’s widow.

Smith’s wife, Kathy, feels her soul-mate was stolen from her and her family.

“My husband was a Christian man. He was a good father, a good husband. He was ready to go but I know if he still had the choice he would be here with us,” she said outside the Laurel Circuit Courtroom in London after Caudill was sentenced Friday afternoon.

Caudill said little from the stand as he was sentenced. His attorney said Caudill did have a written statement, but nothing was said on his behalf.

“You know people go out here and sell drugs, or shoplift, and they get more time, there is something wrong with that,” said Smith.

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