POLSON – A 19-year-old Ronan man was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in state custody due to a fiery motorcycle crash that killed two people.
Scott Gardipe (GAR’-duh-pee) pleaded guilty in January to two counts of negligent homicide.
He admitted he was intoxicated on Aug. 28, 2006, when his Chevy Cavalier struck a motorcycle on Highway 93 just north of Ronan. Killed in the crash were the motorcyclist, 55-year-old Frederick Roullier; and 26-year-old Patrick Finley, a passenger in Gardipe’s car.
Court records indicate speed was also a factor in the crash.
Gardipe was severely injured and spent several months recovering in a Seattle burn unit.
The state and defense jointly recommended Gardipe be sentenced to 10 years in the custody of the state Corrections Department.