Alvord man sentenced to probation and suspended prison term in manslaughter case

Rock Rapids, Iowa – An Alvord man was sentenced to probation in a negligent homicide case.

According to a press release from the Sioux County District Attorney's Office, 22-year-old Kaleb Richard DeBey of Alvord was sentenced Monday in Sioux County District Court on the crimes of homicide by motor vehicle – reckless driving, a Class C felony; and two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, both misdemeanors.

Prosecutors stated that on July 30 of last year, DeBey was traveling westbound on 300th Street approaching Fillmore Avenue near Rock Valley. DeBey was traveling at least 125 mph and failed to negotiate a curve. His vehicle left the roadway and struck a culvert, ejecting and killing an unbelted passenger. The Iowa State Patrol investigation revealed that DeBey's blood alcohol concentration was .157 (which is nearly twice the legal limit) and that controlled substances were in the vehicle. DeBey was charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Then on September 1, 2023, DeBey was stopped and found to be again operating a motor vehicle with a breath alcohol concentration of .101, resulting in a second charge of drunk driving.

The state and DeBey reached a plea agreement whereby each side would make its own sentencing recommendations and the court would determine the sentence. During Monday's sentencing hearing, the state recommended that the court impose a 10-year sentence or, in the alternative, recommended a prison term that could have been up to two years. DeBey's attorney recommended probation and no prison time.

The court ruled that DeBey's sentence would be suspended and ordered that DeBey serve five years of probation. DeBey was also required to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and follow all recommendations. The court also ordered that DeBey spend seven days in county jail between the two OWIs, but was given credit for the 11 days he served previously. According to the court ruling, DeBey will not have to serve any additional prison time.

(Courtesy of Community First Broadcasting station KSOU in Sioux Center)