Ex-Officer Gets 15 Years for Killing 4 in Drunken Crash

A former police officer was sentenced Thursday to the maximum term of 15 years in prison for killing four family members in a drunk-driving crash after a 12-hour drinking binge.

Joseph Gray, who quit the force three weeks after last year’s accident, has been jailed since his manslaughter conviction May 3.

“I think he’s sorry,” said Victor Herrera, whose pregnant wife was killed in the crash. “But I also believe that’s too late for us.”

According to prosecutors, Gray was on a drinking binge that began in the parking lot of the 72nd Precinct and led to the Wild Wild West topless bar before driving his minivan into the family as they crossed a Brooklyn street.

Maria Herrera was killed along with her 4-year-old-son, Andy, and her 16-year-old sister, Dilcia Pena, when Gray sped through a red light. Herrera delivered a son, Ricardo, after the accident, but he died within hours of birth.

Gray, 41, offered an unusual defense at trial, conceding that he was driving while intoxicated but insisting his high alcohol tolerance gave him the ability to operate a vehicle. His blood alcohol content was measured at 0.16%; the legal limit is 0.10%.

Gray’s boozing with fellow officers in the parking lot--and later at the off-limits strip club--resulted in the suspension or reassignment of 17 officers.

It also raised questions about alcohol abuse in the New York Police Department, prompting officials to crack down on other officers who had been accused of drunk driving.

Herrera had mounted a petition drive urging the maximum sentence for Gray. After the sentencing hearing, he became incensed by the suggestion that Gray might appeal his sentence.

“He should accept the 15 years, shut his mouth and think about what he did,” Herrera said.