AUBURN – Monty Eaton, 53, of  Nebraska City was sentenced to six to 10 years in state prison for manslaughter in 2018.

Nemaha County Attorney Louie Ligouri said Eaton was under the influence of alcohol when he turned his vehicle into a passing car on Highway 75 north of Auburn. The collision resulted in a roll over and the death of 26-year-old Travis Ries.

Prior to sentencing Monday, Eaton turned to face Ries’ fiancé and mother, who were both in the courtroom.

Eaton: “I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart for the pain I have caused you.”

Ligouri said punishment is the central purpose of sentencing and described sentencing components such as a waivable jail time on the anniversary of a death and letters of apology as unable to create sincerity and would be unjust considering the death of Ries.

Heather Spurlin was Ries' fiancé and was pregnant with his child at the time of the accident. She told the court that she is a widow at age 26 and is faced with raising two children who will not have benefit of their father.

Judge Julie Smith said there are crimes so severe that probation is not suitable.
Smith: “This is one of those times.”

She agreed with defense attorney Justin Kalemkiarian that Eaton’s family will suffer because of the crime, as well as the Ries family.

Smith: “There will be a time when Mr. Eaton can come home, but there will never be a time Mr. Ries can come home.”

She added consecutive sentences up to 90 days for two counts of transport a child while intoxicated.