Duke Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For 2012 New Year's Day Fatal Crash

Kelly Duke

Drunk driver was facing 45 years in prison.

By H. Nelson Goodson

January 12, 2013

Milwaukee - On Friday, Kelly Duke, 18, was sentenced to 30 years in prison and 12 years supervision after pleading no contest in October 4, 2012 and being convicted for one felony count of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle, one felony count of homicide use of a vehicle with prohibited alcohol concentrate of 0.183, one felony count of hit-and-run involving death, and one misdeamenor count for driving with a suspended license causing great bodily harm. Duke was driving and speeding north on N. 27th St. and W. St. Paul Ave. around 6:30 a.m. on New Year's Day in 2012 when he hit a curb and his vehicle went airborne slamming into another vehicle parked at a stop light intersection.

Jean and Edwin Thaves from New Berlin were struck and killed by Duke. They had just left Potawatomi Bingo Casino. Duke was headed to Potawatomi Casino as well to pick up his girlfriend, according to the criminal complaint.

Duke after the fatal crash fled the scene. But, his brother happened to go by the accident and told police that Duke had taken the vehicle without permission.

Police later arrested Duke. He confessed that he had been drinking at a party and afterwards had driven the vehicle. Duke admitted, that he can't remember what had happened on New Year's Day, including killing the couple. 

He was previously convicted for driving drunk and had his license suspended.