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Troy Neff Show-Media Exclusive: It’s in God’s hands, the Michael and Clara Gagnon Interview

Michael Gagnon was convicted and sentenced 43 years for aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault. In a media exclusive, Michael Gagnon Sr. and Clara Gagnon talk about their son’s life and the events leading up to the incident on Dec. 30th. After the sentencing Clara posted a Myspace blog about the Judge.

Text from http://cherishedair.livejournal.com/ (Cousin of Daniel Griffin)

“She couldnt handle the media,so she threw the book at Michael,so another Judge would have to deal with it.Its about the almighty dollar.I followed so many other cases of drinking and driving,and there is no way my son deserves 43 yrs.

My daughter Theresa layed on the floor wailing for her brother, a family member or friend walked by and lifted her leg and clapped her hands,and smiled.No amount of money can bring back those lives,or the pain,but, Dan grifffin,said he had no money to pay for medical bills.He got 600,000 from my and Michaels insurance company.And his last statement was that he had to start all over,what a new wife!!!!!!!!!!!

I know Iam suposse to turn the other cheek,but Iam heart broken,I prayed for Gods will,and I cant except it.I have no hope or faith left,only Gods love,I hope thats enough.”

Michael Gagnon Sr. Interview

Clara Gagnon Interview

Check out more interviews @:troyneff.com

Send your T-mails to troy@troyneff.com

created by troy_neff_1230_am on Jun 30, 2008 at 11:30:59 am     Comments: 8

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Comments ... #

43 years too harsh for killing 5 people from the same family, including 4 children? He's lucky the police didn't just toss him in the river with cuffs on....

posted by Ace_Face on Jun 30, 2008 at 01:21:37 pm     #



This guy is a completely useless human being who killed 5 people for no reason. Just kill him so we don't have to waste anymore tax dollars keeping him alive when there is no hope that he will ever contribute anything productive to the human race.

How's that for harsh? I mean every word too.

posted by muddyriverduck on Jun 30, 2008 at 11:18:17 pm     #



So neither of you have ever driven impaired?

That's what I thought. Count your blessings.

posted by Ryan on Jul 01, 2008 at 08:46:59 am     #



The sentence was just and necessary. Nobody wins here. Everybody loses.

posted by holland on Jul 01, 2008 at 12:52:16 pm     #



He deserves jail no doubt about it, who am I to say how long, even 20 years his life is over as he knew it. I think everyone at the party he was at should of had their keys taken and locked up. Heck maybe that should be a rule at all bars, you turn in your keys before you drink, and blow in a machine before you get them back or the bartender calls you a cab. Sure would take out any legal responsibilities away from any bar owner or provider of alcohol.

posted by Linecrosser on Jul 01, 2008 at 03:54:27 pm     #



No doubt this ended up badly for all parties involved --- mostly those who lost there lives! Most people just assume that some drunk guy left the bar, went the wrong way down I280 and killed someone...where all of that is true, there is a lot to the story left out...

As I am told by multiple people who were there that evening and that know Michael's family, Michael was cut-off (most likely too late), and kicked out of the bar...walked to the hotel next door...he was hungry, so instead of ordering some pizza or having someone pick him up food, he stole the keys to his brother (or cousins truck), drove to the taco bell 4 doors down, and was too intoxicated to even order food...the taco bell employees called the cops, and then informed him he had to stay there and wait for the cops! (Note: if you ever have to call the cops on a heavily intoxicated person, please don't inform them of such action)......he then took off in a mad rush back to Michigan.

Everyone makes mistakes

We are all human

This guy isn't the guy who smashes out your screen door in the middle of the night and rapes your little sister, or beats up old ladies walking to church for the $5 in their purse. He is just your average 20-something yr old.

He didn't use very good judgement (obviously), and someone should have helped him later in the evening (failure of his family, the bar establishment, etc). How many times have you helped a friend (girlfriend, boyfriend, best friend) that had a little too much to drink? Get them home, get them food, make sure they were safe?

How would you feel if you were in that situation? You got a hotel room next to a bar to insure everyone was safe for the evening: no one had to drive and risk inflicting bodily harm to themselves or others...and then this happened.

Countless times I have been a DD and dropped a "smashed" friend off at home for the evening, and found out the next day as soon as I left they got in their car and drove across town for a booty call...

What would've happn'd if one of my friends hit and killed one of my relatives?

You may see things a little differently now, but the point remains innocent people died. I hope Michael spends the time in jail reflecting on what he has done, and what it has cost him and the families of those he hurt.

posted by Action on Jul 03, 2008 at 12:52:34 pm     #



Sure Ryan, I have driven impaired, but I have never been so impaired that I can't order a taco, and I have never been so impaired that I drive the wrong way down a major highway and kill 5 people. So what exactly is your point?

posted by muddyriverduck on Jul 04, 2008 at 05:15:54 pm     #



I drove impaired a couple times when I was younger around 20, wont do it anymore, I did get away with it, but sure reflected on it later in life. Was a very stupid thing to do, but at the time and young and stupid, you make dumb choices. All I can think of is that movie Shawshank Redemption and the scene with Morgan Freeman talking to the parole board. He said he wish he could talk to the kid that he was and talk some sense into him, but he couldn't because that kid was gone and all that was left was him an old man.

posted by Linecrosser on Jul 04, 2008 at 08:45:40 pm     #