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Nestande's Probation Sentence Stuns Griffin's Family


Courtney Griffin's family let out a universal gasp when the punishment was handed down.  It appears they just couldn't believe the jury recommended probation.  Gabrielle Nestande rushed out of the courtroom a free woman.

Yesterday, the jury convicted the 25-year-old of criminally negligent homicide. Nestande struck and killed Griffin with her car in May 2011.   Throughout the trial, Nestande maintained she had no idea she struck a person.

"We will never believe that lie, she knows she killed my daughter," said Laurie Griffin.

Griffin's mother believes the jury's verdict sends a dangerous message to the public.

"Everybody go out and drink and get behind the wheel, drive through neighborhoods and hit innocent people who are wearing dark clothing on a dark street where anyone should be able to see them," said an emotional Griffin.

After the punishment was handed down, Nestande bolted out of the courthouse through a side door.
Neither she nor her attorneys had anything to say about the sentence.

"No comment," yelled a family member.

The assistant district attorney believes the jury somewhat sympathized with Nestande - and that she played a major role in the outcome.

"It seemed they believed her testimony.  Her version of events," said Allison Wetzel.

But Griffin's mother does not.

"I'm heart broken, just heart broken.  There is a void in my heart," said Griffin.

Nestande will be back in court on March 25 for a probation hearing. The DA says Nestande could serve some jail time as part of her probation.

By Alex Boyer