Albion man to hang picture of victim in his cell

JACKSON (Newschannel 3) - A Michigan judge has handed out an unusual sentence to a man convicted of causing a fatal crash.

David Smith of Albion was recently convicted of killing a Jackson woman named Diane Sigers last summer, after hitting her with his car as he sped through a construction zone.

Now the judge in his case is determined that Smith will never forget his victim.

Jim Berry, Sigers' uncle, says he could barely sit through Smith's sentencing, until he heard what punishment the judge had in store.

"I think it's the greatest idea a judge has ever come up with," said Berry.

The judge ordered that Smith, 27, will spend years in prison, with a picture of Sigers hanging in his cell.

"Going to have it laminated," said Berry. "Where it can't be taken out, and ever day in prison he'll wake to Diane in his cell."

Sigers was simply running an errand when she turned into the intersection where she was hit by Smith. Smith actually forced one vehicle off the road before crashing into Sigers' car, killing her instantly.

"He left 55 feet of skid marks, and still hit her at 57-miles-an-hour," said Jackson Co. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer.

Prosecutor Blumer says Smith's behavior behind the wheel was so outrageous, he sought a murder charge against him.

"He speeded up once he realized she was in the intersection," said Prosecutor Blumer. "Why? I don't know.. to scare the passengers in his vehicle."

Blumer says Smith showed some remorse during the trial, but while being sentenced for vehicular manslaughter in front of Judge John McBain, he made a claim that the truth hadn't come out about the accident.

"It was quite clear to everyone, including the judge, he felt no real remorse," said Prosecutor Blumer.

By that point, Judge McBain was furious with Smith, and that's when he surprised everyone by ordering the picture hung in the prison cell.

Sigers' family hopes Smith will finally realize what great pain he's caused.

"After time, maybe it'll sink in," said Berry.

Smith will have a long time to look at the picture - the judge sentenced him to the maximum of ten to 22 years in prison.