Ex-BSO Deputy Sentenced For Deadly Crash

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FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - A former Broward Sheriff's deputy was sentenced Thursday for causing a deadly accident in 2010 which claimed the life of an Oakland Park teen.

A judge sentenced Frank McCurrie to 9.75 years.

McCurrie plans on appealing, but the judge refused to allow him to get out on bond during appeal.

Last April, ex-deputy McCurrie was found guilty of vehicular homicide and reckless driving in the death of 14-year old Cara Catlin, a freshman at Northeast High School in Oakland Park.

On January 23rd, McCurrie was racing to provide support for a traffic stop when he collided with a Honda Civic at the intersection of Dixie Highway and NE 56th Street. According to the documents, Catlin's step-sister, who was behind the wheel, was making a left turn on NE 56th Street when McCurrie's patrol car slammed into them. The impact split the Honda in two and killed Catlin.

McCurrie was traveling at 89 mph without his lights and sirens activated at the time of the crash, according to trial testimony.

McCurrie sobbed at the sentencing, begging Catlin's family for forgiveness.

"I remember every single event," McCurrie said. "The moment that our vehicles collided, the brakes screeching, the burning sensation of the airbag on my arm."

McCurrie continued, "and then I try to render aid to Cara Catlin and I remember the echoing words, can you hear me, hold on. Help is coming."

One moment remains etched in McCurrie's memory.

"Our eyes connected, I'll never forget looking into those big brown eyes. I'll never forget that. Not a moment goes by that the pain and agony and frustration doesn't come up."

Duane Catlin, the teen's father, pleaded for harsh punishment.

"They took all our dreams, they took our smiles, they took everything. She was an only child," Duane Catlin said.

The teen's mother, Elizabeth Hurley, recalled the last argument with her daughter--over a tattoo.

"She wanted forgiveness tattooed on her body so she remembered to forgive everyday. As my sister said, I believe she would give forgiveness."

McCurrie was facing a maximum of 15 years.