Meagan Grunwald, the Utah teenager charged in the 50-mile crime spree that left a sheriff deputy dead, was sentenced to 30-years-to-life imprisonment on Wednesday. She was already ordered to serve 25-years-to-life in May for aggravated murder, attempted murder, use of controlled substance and aggravated robbery, The San Francisco Gate reported.
Grunwald was indicted for her role as the getaway driver of her boyfriend, Jose Angel Garcia-Jauregui, in the shootout. The rampage began when Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Cory Wride checked on the pair who were parked off the side of a highway during a snowstorm, HNGN previously reported. Garcia-Juaregui shot the deputy dead when the officer tried to confirm the provided identification. A car chase ensued and the gunman began shooting pursuing police officers and several bystanders. Sheriff's Deputy Greg Sherwood, one of the injured, recounted how he was shot in the head and was fighting for his life when Grunwald drove past without stopping to help, according to the San Francisco Gate. Garcia-Juaregui was killed in the shootout.
The verdict drew tearful reaction from Grunwald who was 17-years-old when the crime took place. Her defense is based on the claim that she was acting under duress, with her boyfriend holding her at gunpoint. State Judge Darold McDade handed down the sentence, affirming the prosecution's argument that she was a willing accomplice. In the state of Utah, an accomplice is considered to be equally responsible for a crime committed. Grunwald's minor age saved her from the death penalty.
Wride's widow also delivered a statement during the sentencing in which she told Grunwald that she is forgiven. "You are forgiven, sweet girl. I hope that one day you can forgive yourself," she said according to the Deseret News. In the course of the trial, Grunwald has repeatedly stated her remorse. The victim's family, which has expressed satisfaction with the verdict, earlier pleaded the judge not to hand in the maximum punishment so that Grunwald can have the opportunity to build a new life. It was decided that she will serve her punishment with the possibility of parole.
