COEUR d’ALENE — A Washington man who pleaded guilty to causing a fatal crash while under the influence of alcohol received a jail sentence this week after the victim’s family expressed their forgiveness.

Mark A. Bruzas, 34, of Spokane Valley, pleaded guilty in March to vehicular manslaughter, a felony, in connection with the 2023 death of 83-year-old Coeur d’Alene resident Donald Phelan. In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to recommend a suspended prison sentence with local jail time and probation. 

First District Judge Barbara Duggan sentenced Bruzas to 10 years in prison with parole eligibility after four years. 

In accordance with the state’s recommendation, she then suspended the prison sentence and ordered Bruzas to spend 60 days in jail. After his release, Bruzas will remain on probation for five years. He must also complete 100 hours of community service. 

Before handing down the sentence, Duggan said the circumstances of the case were unique. 

“I have watched tragedy happen to victims,” she told Bruzas. “I have watched individuals who are good people who have done very bad things. I would say I have never experienced the grace and dignity of the victim’s family that I have seen and the grace and dignity you have demonstrated.” 

The charge stemmed from the afternoon of May 21, 2023, when police said Bruzas was driving along Fernan Lake Road, about a mile east of the Fernan Rod and Gun Club, and collided with the truck Phelan was driving. 

Police said Phelan and his truck rolled about 400 feet down a ravine. Phelan died at the scene. 

At the time of the crash, Bruzas had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, according to court records, more than the legal limit. 

Before Bruzas received his sentence, Phelan’s children addressed the court. While they said they believed Bruzas’ actions should have consequences, they emphasized that they weren’t seeking “revenge” for their father’s death and that they want Bruzas to be present for his own family. 

“My father has already forgiven you,” Phelan’s daughter said to Bruzas. “I want you to forgive yourself. You need to be the absolute best that you can be moving forward for your wife, child and people around you.” 

Phelan’s son said the family agreed with the state’s recommendation of a suspended prison sentence. 

“Dads are important,” he told Bruzas. “Your family is super important. ... My years were not enough with my father. Remember to forgive yourself.” 

Duggan said she prefers that Bruzas complete his community service hours with an organization that addresses drunk driving. 

“Through you sharing the event and respecting Mr. Phelan and the service he gave and the man he was, hopefully you will impact people,” she said.