Dante James sentenced; 25 years prison in crash that killed MPD officer
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee County judge sentenced 37-year-old Dante James on Tuesday, May 24 to 25 years in prison and another 13 years of extended supervision.
"The truth is, Mr. James, you're dangerous, violent and reckless," said the judge.
James pleaded guilty last month to the hit-and-run crash that killed Milwaukee Police Officer Kou Her in June 2019. Police say James was drunk – and blew through a red light.
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Her had just gotten off of work with the Milwaukee Police Department – and was headed home when James crashed into him.
The state asked for a longer sentence – 30 years in prison and 15 years of extended supervision. But James' defense argued James needs help for alcoholism.
Milwaukee Police Officer Kou Her
James spoke in court prior to sentencing – and offered an apology.
"I apologize to Mr. Her and his loved ones. I know my hurt is nowhere near their hurt, these two years and eleven months. I want to truly apologize for my actions of leaving the scene of an accident," James said. "Mr. Her lost his life because I was drinking and driving. I would like to take this time to say I am sorry to his family and friends."
Dante James
Officer Kou Her's brother showed compassion to the man who was convicted of killing his brother.
"Me, my dad, my mom, and everyone else we forgive you Dante. God loves you and I hope you turn your life around. We hope the judge will make the right decision today that’s all," said Kong Her, Kou Her's brother.
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"I know that losing someone you love is very painful. I have prayed and wished that this had not happened," James said. "I do need help and I mean help."
Dante James' wife and pastor were inside the courtroom during Tuesday's sentencing hearing.
More than a dozen Milwaukee police officers also filled the other side of the gallery.
Case details
According to a criminal complaint, James started work at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 17, 2019, and was immediately escorted to a hospital on suspicion he'd been drinking. A preliminary breath test revealed a result of .176. James was terminated as a result.
After being fired, James told investigators he went to his cousin's house, "had some shots," and then drove to a bar. At the bar, James said he had two beers and a shot before he was kicked out.
Early Tuesday morning, June 18, prosecutors say James was still drunk and back behind the wheel. Police say he blew a red light near 60th and Capitol, struck and killed Officer Her as he was on his way home from his police shift.
Fatal crash near 60th and Capitol in Milwaukee
Court documents show James ran from the scene but was soon arrested nearby stumbling, bleeding and smelling of alcohol.
During an interview with police, James admitted to being in the crash and to drinking earlier that day.
James has four previous OWI convictions spanning from 2006 to 2018. His license was revoked until 2021.