<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=12DL3L_0zbGx5Ue00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=12DL3L_0zbGx5Ue00" width="1200" height="600" >DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) -A man who police say killed two people while driving drunk in Dothan received a 20-year sentence this morning.Leon Aubrey Jones, 44, pleaded guilty in October to manslaughter, with prosecutors dismissing a DUI charge he faced.His charges came after 30-year-old Derek Blessing and his 42-year-old aunt, Aubrey Jenkins, died in the March 2023 crash that occurred along Ross Clark Circle near Timbers Drive.According to police, Jones drove at a high rate of speed late at night, causing the three-car collision that forced the car Blessing and Jenkins occupied from the highway. Assistant Houston County District Attorney Seth Brooks said the speed was 128 miles per hour.Houston County Circuit Judge Larry Anderson heard from the victims’ families before handing down the sentence.Anita Blessing, Derek’s mother, said the fiery wreck left her son’s body burned so badly it had to be cremated. “My son and sister (Aubrey Jenkins) got a death sentence, I think Mr. Jones should get a lifetime sentence.”A life sentence was not an option, with manslaughter carrying up to 20 years. .”This is one of those cases where nobody wins,” Judge Anderson said. “It’s regrettable that his family has to suffer for his misdeeds. Certainly, the families of the victims are suffering. There is no good outcome of this situation.”Defense attorney Adam Parker described Jones as a disabled veteran and suicide risk. A close friend of Jones testified that he had called an ambulance for Jones because he was afraid for his mental health.“Forgiveness is something I have not been able to give myself nor that I ask for from the family of the victims,” Jones said when he took the stand. “I have left my special needs kids in a terrible place.”Citing a history of alcohol issues, he testified not recalling the wreck.The estates of Blessing and Jenkins sued Uncle Bob’s, alleging the Dothan sports bar over-served alcohol to Jones in the hours leading up to the wreck.In motions this month, attorneys representing the estates of Blessing and Jenkins asked Houston County Circuit Judge Christopher K. Richardson to grant a judgment in their favor, with damages determined later, because Uncle Bob’s ignored a court order to cooperate in the case.“The family’s hurt is so deep and their wounds so grievous that their desire for justice in the criminal side surpasses justice in the civil side,” said Gregory “Scooter” McCain, administrator of the estates.Another hearing is pending to determine if the 20-year sentence will be split and if Jones will get probation. Parker deferred comments until after the next hearing.Subscribe to our News 4 newsletter and receive the latest local news and weather straight to your email every morning. Get instant notifications on top stories from News 4 by downloading our mobile apps.</div></body>

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DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) -A man who police say killed two people while driving drunk in Dothan received a 20-year sentence this morning. Leon Aubrey Jones, 44, pleaded guilty in October to manslaughter, with prosecutors dismissing a DUI charge he faced. His charges came after 30-year-old Derek Blessing and his 42-year-old...

Prison for man who caused deadly wreck, bar could pay

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DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) -A man who police say killed two people while driving drunk in Dothan received a 20-year sentence this morning. Leon Aubrey Jones, 44, 

Prison for man who caused deadly wreck, bar could pay

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