Derek Quebedeaux, 22, of Hammond was sentenced to twelve years in prison for the deaths of three Southeastern students and the injury of two others on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011.  On Nov 8, 2010 Quebedeaux plead guilty to three counts of vehicular homicide, two counts of first degree vehicular negligent injuring and five counts of felony hit and run. Southeastern students Maxime Profit, 23, of Vaires-sur-Marne France; Thurman Marion, 24, of Kenner, La.; and Beth Boudreaux, 19, of Husser, La. were killed. Nadine Stewart of England and Maja Bradonjic of Serbia were injured in the accident.

“Derek’s reaction was a culmination of all of these months,” said Michael Thiel, Quebedeaux’s attorney. “We heard many victim’s testimonies, which was very heart wrenching. He’s very stoic on the outside, but on the inside is a different story.”

At approximately 3 p.m., District Judge Doug Hughes handed down the sentence to the court. After the sentencing, Quebedeaux briefly addressed the judge and the victim’s families.

“I wish I could take back that day. I think about it all the time,” said Quebedeaux. He then turned to face the victim’s families. “There’s not much I can say to make things right, but I hope you can forgive me someday.”

After his address to the court, Quebedeaux turned and began to cry.

“I really am sorry,” Quebedeaux said.

Immediately following the trial, Quebedeaux was taken to Tangipahoa Parish Jail, where he will stay until a further decision is made. As Quebedeaux pulled away from the courthouse, many were left dismayed by the sentencing.  21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux, who prosecuted the case, indicated the sentence did not resonate well with many of the victim’s families in a press conferrence after the trial.

“It’s a legal sentence and we respect it,” said Perrilloux. “But we thought that somewhere between the 15 and 20 year range for three fatalities and a serious injury would be more appropriate.”