Why weren't more severe charges filed?

Recently an alleged drunken driver, William Deardorff of Washington, crossed the center line in Careywood and killed one Sandpoint woman and seriously injured another who survived with major injuries that will require many months of recovery.

Perhaps Bonner County Prosecutor Louis  Marshall might explain to us common folk how it is that the drunken driver was charged only with vehicular manslaughter and aggravated drunken driving rather than murder or negligent homicide.  

It has been reported that the drunken driver in this instance "has been arrested 44 times since 1978 and has three prior arrests for drunken driving;" and, has also been the subject of nine arrest warrants and has a history of failing to comply with court orders. I further understand, without surprise, that the drunken driver had no auto insurance or driver's license.

Recognizing this history, the Bonner County Prosecutor opts for manslaughter? Outrageous! This drunk needs to be taken out of society for decades, not a few years. Looks to me that in the next election we need to elect a prosecutor with greater interest in serving and protecting the citizens of Bonner County.

BOB RUTHERFORD

Sandpoint