Amite – Derek Quebedeaux, 25, had his request to reduce his concurrent sentences, including 12 years in prison for the 2009 murders of three Southeastern students, denied by a judge Wednesday.
His request, presented by attorney Michael Thiel, was for time spent monitored while out on bond. Thiel and prosecutor Greg Murphy presented their remarks to 21st Judicial District Court Judge Doug Hughes with family and friends of the victims in attendance.
The judge did not believe he was within his jurisdiction to grant Quebedeaux’s motion, but went on record denying the motion if in fact he was.
“He is not trying to obviate his criminal time,” said Thiel of Quebedeaux’s motion. “I think it takes courage for him to stand here today.”
While being rehabilitated for his crimes, Quebedeaux has assisted other inmates in obtaining their General Educational Development certificates and has enrolled in the University of Phoenix to further his own education.
However, Murphy called Quebedeaux’s motion “meritless” and “cowardly.” He also spoke of the families of the victims and how the motion “is reopening the wound.”
Quebedeaux pleaded guilty on Nov. 8, 2010 and was sentenced by Hughes on Feb. 15, 2011 to 12 years for each of the three counts of vehicular homicide, five years each for two counts of first-degree vehicular negligent injury and 10 years each on five counts of felony hit-and-run. The sentences for each are to be served concurrently.
“He has accepted responsibility,” said Thiel also stating that Quebedeaux does not wish to reopen proceedings.
In the early morning on March 9, 2009, Quebedeaux was traveling home on Nashville Avenue. While driving under the influence, Quebedeaux hit five students walking on the side of the road.
Killed in the hit-and-run were Beth Boudreaux, 19, of Husser, La.; Thurman “Rion” Lowe III, 24, of Kenner, La. and Maxime Profit, 23, of Vaires-sur-Marne, France. The two other students injured were Nadine Stewart of England and Maja Bradonjic of Serbia.
After the hearing, family and friends of the victims gathered outside the courthouse. Lindsey Prima, a friend of the victims and Quebedeaux, spoke of the consequences of Quebedeaux’s actions.
“He could do a million and one good things in jail, but it’s not going to bring back Beth, and it’s not going to bring back Rion, and it’s not going to bring back Maxime,” said Prima.