Woman Laughs About Killing Gay Guy

(Tucson, Arizona) In December 2006, a local woman, Melissa Arrington, hit and killed bicyclist Paul L'Ecuyer, 45, as she drunkenly drove down the road.

At the time, Arrington's blood alcohol level was 0.156, almost twice the legal limit, and she was driving on a suspended license from a previous drunk driving conviction.

Two months ago, 27-year-old Arrington was convicted of negligent homicide and two counts of aggravated DUI. This week, Arrington was sentenced by Pima County Superior Court Judge Michael Cruikshank.

Arrington was presumably hoping for a lenient four-year prison term, the minimum, however, Judge Cruikshank said he had new information to consider, Arrington's own words during a jailhouse conversation.

Cruikshank said he found a telephone conversation between Arrington and an unknown male friend a week after L'Ecuyer was killed "breathtaking in its inhumanity."

During the conversation, the man told Arrington that an acquaintance of theirs believed she should get a medal and a parade because she had "taken out" what he said was a "tree hugger, a bicyclist, a Frenchman and a gay guy all in one shot."

Arrington laughed, and when the man said he knew it was a terrible thing to say, she responded, "No, it's not."

Viewing Arrington's sentiments as "shocking and disgusting," Judge Cruikshank imposed a sentence of 10 and one-half years in prison. Instead of laughing, Cruikshank said Arrington should have "been rendered silent."

The message in this case is ages-old. When you're in a pile of crap, keep your mouth shut.


[Update]

According to this source, Arrington worked as an exotic dancer while Mr. L'Ecuyer was an avid athlete who worked to "raise money for charities and inspiring others to be giving."

Here's a link to the audio of the telephone call capturing Arrington's laugh which, according to Judge Cruikshankl, is a big part of why he sentenced her to more than ten years in prison. (Tip: SuidaeEmpathy)