Court Holds Parent Responsible for Teen Drinking Death October 4, 2002
News Summary
In a landmark case in Philadelphia, Pa., an adult was punished for a fatal crash caused by a drunken teen even though the adult did not serve alcohol to the minor, the Associated Press reported Oct. 1.Judith McCloskey, 42, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. She allowed her two teenage daughters to have a party in her home, but did not provide them with alcohol. One of the teenaged guests, a 19-year-old, left the house drunk and crashed his sports utility vehicle. He and two passengers were killed in the crash.
McCloskey said she was unaware that the teens were drinking in the basement. The adult who bought the kegs of beer for the party pleaded guilty to furnishing minors with alcohol and was fined $1,000.
McCloskey, on the other hand, could face up to 15 years in prison.
"This is a landmark case," said Wendy Hamilton, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. "I think that this sends a very strong message to every parent in the country. There are too many adults who think that drinking underage is a rite of passage. It is not."
McCloskey's attorney, Gary Asteak, said the case sets a dangerous precedent. "It would put parents in the role of being probation officers for their children, and would ultimately leave them responsible for everything their kids do, whether they see them doing it or not," he said.
Asteak said he would appeal the verdict.
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