WORCESTER, MASS. (WHDH) - A Massachusetts man who was convicted of manslaughter earlier this month in the death of Trooper Thomas Clardy was sentenced Thursday to 5 to 7 years behind bars with three-and-a-half years already served.
Worcester District Court Judge Janet Kenton-Walker handed down David Njuguna’s sentence as dozens of state troopers, family members, and friends of Clardy looked on inside a packed courtroom.
“I cannot bring you comfort, I cannot bring you peace, and I cannot go back and take that day away,” Walker told Clardy’s family before announcing the sentence.
Njuguna, 33, of Webster, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, negligent motor vehicle homicide, driving to endanger, and driving an uninsured vehicle on Nov. 12.
Prosecutors were pushing for 10-12 years in prison following Njuguna’s jury-waived bench trial. Walker opted to stay within state sentencing guidelines.
Clardy’s widow and son spoke in court before Njuguna learned his fate.
“On March 16, 2016, I kissed my husband goodbye, told him I loved him and watched him back out of the driveway not knowing that would be the last time I would see him,” Reisa Clardy said as she held back tears. “An hour later, because of a selfish and senseless act, his life was cut short.”
Tyler Clardy added, “Those times of comfort humor and joy. The times of connection when everyone was together and happy. The times of relishing in a shared interest. The times of intimate and personal milestones. Those times are gone forever lost and stuffed away.”
Evidence showed Njuguna was speeding and high on marijuana on March 16, 2016, when he struck Clardy’s stopped cruiser on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Charlton.
Njuguna, a medical marijuana patient, had purchased four joints about an hour before the crash.
Walker, however, found Njuguna not guilty of operating under the influence, saying “there is no consensus” on THC levels when determining impairment. She also found him not guilty of felony motor vehicle homicide.
The defendant’s lawyers argued that he had some sort of medical issue that caused a seizure and made him lose control of his vehicle.
Testimony in the case wrapped up on Oct. 29 after Njuguna was escorted out of the courtroom following an outburst.
“I’m really sorry for what happened,” Njuguna could be heard saying as officers escorted him out of the room.
In a statement, Massachusetts State Police said, “First and foremost, we are painfully cognizant that no sentence can return Trooper Clardy to those who loved him and love him still. This loss can never be restored, and everyone who loved or worked with Tom would prefer that the law allow for a sentence much more commensurate with the taking of a life under these circumstances.”
It continued, “Nonetheless we are aware of the sentencing guidelines prescribed by the law and we are grateful for the court’s consideration of the severity of this offense. As we move forward, we continue to look toward and be guided by Tom’s example as a family man and a Massachusetts State Trooper, and our thoughts and hearts are, as ever, with his loved ones.”
The 11-year state police veteran left behind a wife and six children.
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