Woman in fatal DUI sentenced to more than 10 years

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - 51-year-old Candice Hurt has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for the death of Irwin Twist, a former Cocopah Indian Tribe councilmember.

Twist's niece, Shelyne, was at the sentencing hearing and shares why she's not thrilled with the outcome.

"Yeah, we wish she got more time, she has repeated offenses, but just the way the court system works, this was kind of the best worst option," says Shelyne.

Hurt was under the influence when she ran through an intersection on County 14th Street and Avenue C and killed 75-year-old Irwin Twist in June of last year.

Hurt was officially sentenced early Friday morning.

"It is, the court finds that you are in fact guilty of amended count one, manslaughter, the court finds that the presumpted term is appropriate, it is therefor ordered that as to amended count one, you will be sentenced to a term of 10 and a half years at the Arizona Department of Corrections," says Judge Claudia Gonzalez, Superior Court of Yuma.

Before her sentence for manslaughter was handed down, Hurt shared a message to Irwin Twist's family and the Cocopah Tribe.

Hurt stated in court, "I know the standing Mr. Twist had in his community, therefore, I would like to say a heartfelt apology to the Cocopah Tribe. You did not deserve the pain and suffering I caused, I am so deeply, deeply sorry."

Irwin's son, Keith, says there is still a void in their lives that will never be filled.

"All the pieces will never be back together, I mean it's always going to be missing that one piece, so we just got to keep going, and try to keep moving on with our lives, but it's hard and things will never be the same. I love my dad so much. He helped us so much. It's just hard," says Keith.

Hurt will begin her sentence immediately.