A man convicted in a deadly DWI crash that killed a teenager in Cayuga County is now free on parole. Prosecutors and the victim’s family are outraged, calling for changes to New York’s sentencing laws.
Dain Schneider, who pled guilty in 2016 to aggravated vehicular homicide, was released on April 30. His parole was a discretionary decision by the New York State Parole Board. Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonacci announced the release in a statement Tuesday.
High-speed crash claimed teen’s life
Schneider drove 54 miles per hour over the speed limit with a blood alcohol content of 0.23%. He slammed into Chloe Calhoun’s SUV as she exited an ice cream stand on East Lake Road in Owasco.
Calhoun, just 18 years old, died in the crash. At the time, Schneider had two previous DWI convictions and was driving with a revoked license.
A judge sentenced him on August 23, 2016, to serve 7 to 24 years in prison. Since then, the DA’s office sent several letters opposing parole, including one last December.
DA urges public to push for sentencing reform
“New York’s lenient sentencing laws allowed for Schneider’s early release,” Grome Antonacci said. “If you share our frustration, I strongly encourage you to contact your State Senator and Assembly Member.”
Under current law, aggravated vehicular homicide is a class B non-violent felony. Sentences range from 1 to 3 years minimum, with a maximum of 8⅓ to 25 years.
Data from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision shows parole releases rose more than 14% from 2023 to 2024.
Victim’s memory and public safety at stake, DA says
Grome Antonacci said the Parole Board ignored community concerns. “This decision was an insult to Chloe’s memory and an injustice to the public,” she said. “In the past, only incarceration has stopped this individual from driving drunk.”
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