Sep 8, 2008 7:51 pm US/Eastern
Sentencing For Ex-Cop Accused Of Deadly Hit & Run
Michael Alayon Faced Up To 30 Years In Prison
Ryland Nye Was Hit Oct. 2006
Alayon Entered No Contest Plea In March
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
A former Miami-Dade police detective was sentenced to eight years in prison Monday for pleading no contest to leaving the scene of a car crash that resulted in the death of a Pompano Beach man.
Michael Alayon pleaded "no contest" in March of leaving the scene of an accident with a death. He faces 30-years in prison for rear-ending his Lexus into a Chevy Blazer driven by 54-year-old Ryland (Rick) Nye on October 10th, 2006. Nye was ejected from his SUV and hit by several passing cars on busy I-595, near Southwest 136th Avenue.
During the sentencing Alayon's family had harsh words for Alayon on court, including the victim's widow Debbie Nye.
"You were just feet away from my husband, when you climbed out of your vehicle and you just left him there," said his widow Debbie Nye as she sobbed on the stand.
"On that morning of October 10th, Mr. Alayon, you were nothing but a coward," Nyes shouted at him.
Alayon left his vehicle at the scene which ended in a six-car pile-up.
During the investigation, detectives found that after leaving the scene, Alayon attempted to cover up his role in the crash by reporting that his car had been stolen the previous evening during a burglary at his Hialeah home.
Alayon, 28, was on the force for four years at the time of the accident.
Alayon's attorney, Sam Rabin said in March that his client is taking responsibility for the deadly hit and run but called it a "lapse in judgment."
"He made a bad decision," said Rabin, "it's not a question of him not knowing better, he just made a bad decision."
Nye's heartbroken widow, Debbie, also said in March that the court could never dole out enough punishment to make this right.
"No matter what the sentence, I'll never get my husband back. He should be punished to the max," said Debbie Nye.
Alayon could've faced up to 30 years in prison.
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