HANOVER COUNTY, Va. – The man convicted of hitting and killing a Hanover mother with his car will not be released from prison sooner than expected.
A judge is revisiting Dr. Michael Carlson's case Friday after he pleaded guilty last year to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Meg Menzies last year. Prosecutors had argued that Carlson "gave himself an overdose of alcohol” that ended Meg Menzies' life.
Friends and family of Meg Menzies gathered outside Hanover Circuit Court Friday afternoon grateful a judge decided Menzie's killer must serve all four years of his prison sentence.
"We came to the right place," Keith Cartwright, a close family friend, said.
In front of a packed courtroom, Judge Sarah Deneke debated the merits of ordering Michael Carlson into a behavioral rehab program requested by the defense that would have allowed Carlson to be released early if he successfully completed it, and a therapeutic rehab program that does not include an early release option. The judge opted for the therapeutic rehab, which does not include the possibility of early release.
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Stephen Royalty says this hearing, which was held more than a month after Carlson was sentenced, was a huge burden on the Menzies family.
"They found themselves in limbo again so it did impose additional stress on them," Royalty said.
Judge Deneke made it clear that she believes Carlson needs substance abuse treatment, and Cartwright said he agrees.
"We want Dr. Carlson to get the help he needs, but not outside of the consequence that is deserved for this," Cartwright said.
Carlson addressed the courtroom and apologized for the pain he had caused. He said he never thought he had an alcohol problem until this terrible tragedy opened his eyes. He said he never wants to have alcohol as a part of his life again, and if a rehab program will make him a better person, he would like to do it.
To remind people of the dangers of drinking and driving, Cartwright is helping organize a mile run Saturday at midnight at Randolph Macon College in honor of Meg Menzies's memory.
"To help our students and the community think about just one more time to think about that decision to get in a car after you've been drinking," Cartwright said.
