The driver charged with the DUI manslaughter of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office bailiff last year was sentenced to 15 years as part of a plea agreement with the State. 

The suspect, Kim Johnston, pleaded no contest to a charge of DUI causing bodily injury, the State Attorney’s Office said. 

JSO bailiff Cathy Adams and her husband William “Jack” Adams, a JSO motorman were driving back from a football game with their children in Dec. of 2018 when they were struck by Johnston. 

Cathy Adams was killed and Jack Adams suffered a broken back. Their children escaped with minor injuries. 

Trudy Martin, Cathy Adams mother, stood before the court to give a victim impact statement during the sentencing.

You also killed me that night,” she said. “You will never know the terrific pain, heart-shattering when the officer came to the door… no mother should go to child’s grave, it’s like being dead and they forgot to bury me.”

Jack Adams also spoke at the sentencing hearing. He suffered a C5-6 fracture and faced being a quadriplegic.

“What do you say to the person who has changed your life forever?” he asked. “I forgive you. There is freedom in forgiveness.”