Judge sentences ‘reckless’ Meridian man in 2023 traffic death of high school coach
The Meridian man who crashed into the truck of Greenleaf coach Loma Bittick and her husband in 2023 was sentenced to up to 17 years in prison this week — with the possibility of parole after two years.
The crash killed 65-year-old Loma; Jim Bittick, 64 at the time of the crash, had both legs and eight fingers amputated, according to previous Statesman reporting. Both were ejected from their vehicle after Shawn Stacy, 28, ran a stop sign at the intersection of Lower Pleasant Ridge and Friends roads.
The Bitticks, who coached girls basketball, were on their way to the 1A Division I District Three Tournament championship game at Columbia High on Feb. 9, 2023, when the accident occurred.
Stacy pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and a persistent violator charge in June. Third District Judge Brent Whiting handed down the sentence Thursday, with two years fixed and 15 indeterminate, according to a news release from Canyon County.
“The defendant’s reckless behavior and total disregard for traffic laws led to the senseless death of a Greenleaf woman and forever changed the life of her husband, who was injured so badly his life will never be the same,” Deputy Prosecutor Kimberlee Bratcher said in the release. “Prison is the appropriate sentence for the pain and suffering he has caused this family and our community.”
Whiting also ordered Stacy’s driver’s license to be suspended for 20 years following his release, though he could be eligible for restricted driving privileges one year after earning parole. Stacy also must pay a $5,000 civil penalty, plus fines, court costs and public defender reimbursement, the release said.
Stacy had lost his driving privileges before and had been issued multiple driving infractions, according to prior Statesman reporting.
Stacy’s brother and a friend wrote letters of support to the court earlier this year, painting him as someone who struggled growing up but became sober and was employed.
“Nothing can undo the harm caused by Shawn’s actions, I ask that you consider the progress he has made in recent years and the difficult circumstances he overcame,” Jacob Stacy wrote. “Shawn is deeply remorseful and understands the gravity of his actions.”