GARLAND, TX – A man responsible for a fatal crash that claimed the life of a teenager has been sentenced to 17 years in prison after a plea deal was reached. The incident, which occurred in September 2022, left the family of 13-year-old Brooklyn Moran devastated and questioning the adequacy of the punishment.
Jeremy Spencer, the driver, was under the influence of drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, when his vehicle crossed the center line on Castle Drive, colliding head-on with the Moran family’s SUV. Brooklyn’s older sister, Aubrey Moran, expressed the profound impact her sibling’s death had on her life, describing Brooklyn as her best friend and greatest loss.
During the emotional court proceedings, Aubrey faced Spencer, recounting the unbearable thought of returning home, where her sister’s room remained a painful reminder of her absence. The crash not only took Brooklyn’s life but also left her mother, Brittany, in a coma for several days. Brittany was eventually able to attend her daughter’s funeral, a moment described by Aubrey as one of the hardest of her life.
Brooklyn’s friend, who was also seriously injured in the crash, has forgiven Spencer, yet acknowledges that forgetting the tragedy is impossible. The family, however, is disappointed with the plea deal, feeling that the 17-year sentence does not reflect the magnitude of their loss. They believe Spencer received a lenient sentence considering the circumstances.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office explained that the plea deal was made to mitigate the risks of a trial, where Spencer could have faced a minimum of two years to a maximum of 20 years for intoxication manslaughter. The family was not consulted about the plea agreement, which added to their frustration.
Spencer, who had a prior DWI conviction and was driving without a license at the time of the crash, was urged by both the judge and Brooklyn’s father to use his time in prison to reflect on the consequences of his actions and to seek personal transformation.
Brooklyn was remembered as an honor roll student, talented soccer player, and a person of strong faith. Her legacy continues as her organ donations have saved the lives of at least six people, a testament to her enduring impact.
The Moran family hopes that Spencer’s time in prison will lead to genuine change, ensuring that Brooklyn’s death was not in vain. They continue to cherish her memory and the positive influence she had on those around her.