Castle Rock – A teenage driver responsible for a head-on accident that killed three of his friends and the driver of the other car reached an agreement with prosecutors Friday that will keep him out of adult prison.
But Todd Stansfield was stripped of some normal teenage activities: He can’t walk with his classmates when he graduates from high school, play organized sports or even attend public school in Douglas County.
“They want to take his teenage years away from him,” said Ivan Majestic, father of 16-year-old Tony Majestic, who died in the crash. “I don’t find that just.”
For the most part, the plea agreement announced in Douglas County court came as a big relief to Stansfield’s family and other supporters, who feared he would be sentenced to an adult prison.
Stansfield, 17, will serve 45 consecutive days at a juvenile facility and another 45 days on weekends, said his father, Todd Stansfield Sr.
Todd Stansfield, who was 16 at the time of the accident June 18, 2004, was speeding when his car crossed the center line and collided with a vehicle driven by Marvin “Mike” Gilchrist, 77.
Stansfield was charged as an adult in the case.
“I don’t think it ever should have proceeded as it did,” Stansfield Sr. said. “I don’t think he should have ever been charged as an adult.”
Todd Stansfield, who did not comment Friday, could have received a maximum of 24 years in prison if convicted on the original counts.
The agreement didn’t please everyone involved in the case.
“That equals 22 days for my father’s death,” said Ted Gilchrist, the son of Marvin Gilchrist. “This I don’t agree with.”
As part of the agreement, Stansfield will be charged with two counts of criminally negligent homicide, Stansfield Sr. said.
Todd Stansfield was initially charged with four felony counts of vehicular homicide reckless driving; four felony counts of criminally negligent homicide; and four misdemeanor counts of careless driving resulting in death or injury.
Other elements of the plea agreement call for:
Twelve years of probation and 1,200 hours of community service.
A ban on walking with classmates and accepting his high school diploma at graduation.
A ban on playing or attending organized sports until Stansfield is 21.
Before the accident, Stansfield played football and ran track at Ponderosa High School. He currently attends a private high school.
Also killed in the accident were Michael Budge and Sean Student, both 17.
Sherri Budge, Michael’s mother, and Ivan and Mary Majestic, Tony’s parents, have been strong supporters of Stansfield, and they opposed an adult prison sentence.
District Attorney Carol Chambers could not be reached for comment on the plea agreement. Forrest Lewis, Stansfield’s attorney, declined to comment until after the sentencing.
After the plea agreement was announced, Stansfield worked his way through about a dozen supporters in the courtroom and hugged them individually.
He wept at times but looked relieved as he left the courthouse.
“Everybody needs closure to this case,” Stansfield Sr. said. “It has gone on way too long.”
Staff writer Kieran Nicholson can be reached at 303-820-1822 or knicholson@denverpost.com.
