SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A Sioux Falls man is headed to prison following a deadly crash involving extreme speeds, alcohol and drugs.
A judge sentenced Tayten Stebbins to 25 years behind bars on Monday. As part of a plea agreement, Stebbins pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter, and several other charges were dropped.
Stebbins, 27, has admitted to driving over 100 miles per hour on Arrowhead Parkway while drunk on May 8th, 2021. That night, he sped through a red light and slammed into a car.
The crash killed two Sioux Falls high school students and injured two others.
In court, one of the first officers to arrive on scene said it’s a crash he won’t forget. The courtroom watched video from his body camera as he helped rescue two teenagers who were trapped in the backseat. He tried to save another teen’s life.
The officer told the judge it was one of the worst accidents he’s seen in his career.
Victims’ family members, who gave emotional statements, said Stebbins’ actions have forever changed their lives.
The prosecution said Stebbins should face the consequences of his actions and asked the judge for a 50-year prison sentence.
Stebbins also spoke in court and repeatedly told the victims’ family members he was sorry, and he never meant for this to happen.
The defense, and some of Stebbins’ family members spoke, saying he’s no longer a danger to the public. His attorneys told the judge that Stebbins is now living with injuries from the crash, and they questioned if he could receive the ongoing care he needs while behind bars.
The judge cited the impacts of the crash on others as one of the reasons for the 25-year sentence. He said the case is a reminder that bad choices can have lifelong effects.
On the night of the crash, Stebbins had been drinking at a bowling alley. The prosecution shared social media posts showing him drinking in the hours leading up to the crash. Stebbins was offered a ride, but refused.
For one count of manslaughter, Stebbins was sentenced to 25 years. For the second count, he received a 25-year suspended sentence. This means if he gets in trouble after being released from prison, he could serve another 25 years behind bars.
