Redmond man gets just 20 months in fatal DUI crash

REDMOND, Wash. — It was an emotional sentencing for a Redmond man who admitted he was drunk and high on marijuana when he struck and killed a bicyclist just blocks from home. 

It took just a few moments for Erin Boden to begin to cry.

"I will never forget seeing his bicycle scattered in the street," she said, sniffling.  "I will never forget the look on the officers' faces when they confirmed my brother had been killed."

It moved to tears, too, 28-year-old Nathan Godwin, who plowed into Nakatani. 

Even Senior Deputy Prosecutor Amy Freedheim choked up as she told the judge, "I know..." She cleared her throat as she said, "I know that you've reviewed the letters."

Freedheim said she recommended a 20-month sentence because the laws have changed.

"Vehicular homicide DUI is viewed the same as manslaughter first degree now," she explained. "But that was not the case in December of 2011."

Godwin admitted he was drunk on alcohol and high on marijuana when he struck and killed Nakatani.

"I would take his place right this second if I could," he told the family. "I can't tell you how worthless I feel every day. I hope that one day, those affected by my actions will come to forgive me for what I have done. But I will understand if that does not happen."

Then he said, "I am so sorry," and looked back at the Nakatani family.

Afterwards, Godwin walked by a gauntlet of supporters wishing him well as he was led away to prison.

The judge also sentenced Godwin to two years' probation, during which he can't go to a bar or drive a vehicle under the influence.

Want to talk about the news of the day? Watch free streaming video on the KIRO 7 mobile app and iPad app, and join us here on Facebook.

KIRO