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(Image source: YouTube / becauseisaidiwould)
BY BRIANA ALTERGOTT
An Ohio man shocked police and his lawyer by confessing in a viral video back in September
to killing a man while driving drunk.
Now, 22-year-old Matthew Cordle has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison, and his
driving privileges have been suspended for life. (Via WTNZ)
Cordle made headlines after posting this video to YouTube:
"This video will act as my confession. When I get charged, I will plead guilty." (Via
YouTube / becauseisaidiwould)
Cordle admitted his drunk driving caused an accident that took the life of 61-year-old
Vincent Canzani, and he promised to take responsibility for the tragedy. (Via WLWT)
A few days after the video went up, Cordle turned himself in to police. He was charged
with aggravated vehicular homicide and driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
He pled guilty to both charges. (Via CBS)
Cordle's attorneys have been seeking a reduced sentence to help send a message about the
value of taking responsibility.
His lawyer says Cordle is "riddled with guilt," extremely remorseful, and ashamed. He has
also reportedly stopped drinking. (Via WGHP)
Even Canzani's ex-wife says she believes his regret is genuine.
She told CNN she thinks Cordle should spend time in prison, but as a mother of two, she
also feels badly for him.
"He said I made a huge mistake, and I'm going to take what's coming to me. You've got to
respect him for that." (Via CNN)
Cordle said in his video he didn't want to get a reduced sentence because he didn't want
to "dishonor Vincent's memory by lying about what happened."