Driver sentenced to two years in prison for DUI death

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Derek Dygulski pleads guilty in accident that killed Carol Ragsdale

Derek Dygulski (Photo provided)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Nov 12, 2008 at 11:35 AM EST

Story Updated: Nov 12, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

SOUTH BEND — A 34-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for the death of Carol Ragsdale and injuries to her husband, Kenneth Ragsdale, while driving drunk Aug. 16.

Derek A. Dygulski had pleaded guilty to two felony charges stemming from the collision on Lincoln Way East in Mishawaka. He had been traveling west in an eastbound lane when he collided head-on with the Ragsdale vehicle. Police said tests indicated Dygulski had a blood-alcohol content of almost twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.

A judge also imposed a 3½-year suspended sentence and five years of probation upon his release from prison.

At the hearing Wednesday morning, Kenneth Ragsdale, 60, was in a wheelchair because of injuries he sustained in the accident. His daughter, Jennifer Mammolenti, said he would be able to walk again.

Mammolenti said she was "very disappointed" with the judge’s sentencing decision.

Judge Roland W. Chamblee Jr. said he was bound by the law to follow certain guidelines, and that while he could take the "easy way out" and impose the maximum sentence, it would surely come back to him on appeal.

Watch WSBT News at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m for more on this story, and read Thursday's South Bend Tribune.

Monday, Nov 17 at 3:42 PM Renee wrote ...

My prayers for the Ragsdale family. We the people had a vote on these judges on 11/4 - the majority voted yes to retain these idiots... Welcome to liberal ville

Sunday, Nov 16 at 2:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

When I heard the sentence reported, I KNEW who the judge had to be. So, the message in St. Joe County is; commit vehicular homicide and get 2 years..We need to VOTE for our judges. We are one of 2 counties in Indiana that dont, and lawyers were just polled in the county to see if they are satisfied with the Judicial Bench in this County....Judge Chamblee is way to Liberal and so what if the case may have come back on appeal....He needs to resign and go back to being a lawyer.

Friday, Nov 14 at 2:14 PM a mom wrote ...

Conservative: You are not worthy of any further responses.

Thursday, Nov 13 at 3:13 PM RE: mom wrote ...

I dont see where there is any anger towards you in my reply? nore do I see where I blamed any one person for anything. Re-read my post, the analogy is that this was a liberal scentence and Obama is the most liberal president in history...he is radically left to be fair. I would assume that this was also a left liberal Judge as well. This is what liberals stand for. If you think it was a personal attack on your messiah, you read what you wanted to not what I wrote

Thursday, Nov 13 at 1:20 PM a mom wrote ...

Conservative: Talk about getting defensive?? You want to drag Obama into this and he has NOTHING to do with the laws of this State (that have been in existance LONG before Obama)and you get angry with me??!! You would have made a better argument if you talked about the LAW, but Obama? The problem is COMMON SENSE has been tossed out the window FROM BOTH PARTIES, so hold the people for their own actions, or lack of, but don't blame Obama for this one.

Thursday, Nov 13 at 12:01 PM Anonymous wrote ...

WOW only two years? If it was me I would have gotten life. SB SUCKS

Thursday, Nov 13 at 11:34 AM RE: Mom wrote ...

First and foremost I am not your friend second if by saying I am a moron for my comment about this being an example of left wing polotics makes you feel better about voting the most liberal President in history...not to mention the most inexperienced then that is fine. I gave much thought to what I said before typing. Fact this is liberal justice, fact Obama is a liberal. What is unbeleivable is how defensive people are when they know they are wrong

Thursday, Nov 13 at 9:50 AM a mom wrote ...

To Conservative: You, my friend, are a moron. This has absolutly nothing to do with Obama. You should really think about what you say before opening your mouth. Unbelievable.

Thursday, Nov 13 at 9:25 AM shoppy wrote ...

Its pretty sad you can kill someone and a judge thinks that persons life is only worth two years for the offender. This amounts to one year. Judge Chamblee needs removed from the bench. That idiot should have the full punishment brought down on him. How many times do we have to see someones loved one killed by a drunk driver only to skate punishment lightly by some librel judge.

Thursday, Nov 13 at 8:52 AM Voter wrote ...

For everyone that is upset about the sentence… On Nov 4th did you vote to keep the judge in office? Did you even check to see his records? We had a chance to remove the judges that give light sentences out of office and we didn’t! Maybe next time we will pay as much attention to our local ballets as we do for our nations.

Thursday, Nov 13 at 8:20 AM Conservative wrote ...

Left wing polotics in action folks, you have voted in a liberal government, this is what you wanted! Not one of you people that voted for Obama have a right to complain about liberal sentencing.

Thursday, Nov 13 at 1:31 AM hmmmmmmm wrote ...

lets throw all the big bad drug dealers in prison for a big amount of time, and let people get a 2 year vehicular homicide sentence...does anybody get this or understand it because i sure dont!!! and on top of that....PEOPLE NORMALLY SPEND MORE TIME IN PRISON FOR A DUI THAN THIS GUY IS GOIN TO DO FOR VEHICULAR HOMICE WHILE DRIVING DRUNK!!! i agree with angie 3:24....was this a typo???????...you've got 2 be kidding me!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 10:27 PM Anon wrote ...

I agree with haha !!! Thank you for putting it so eloquently !!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 9:37 PM haha wrote ...

How many of the utterly out raged people are writing their representatives. That's how we the people get the laws changed. How can their be so much outrage, but no petitioning of legislators? What could be more dumb?

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 7:19 PM D_Brett wrote ...

What a joke, I speechless and ashamed as the rest of you. Write your congress reperesentive to report the judge. Watch the Judge will have a new car Monday from his payoff he recevied for letting this guy off easy

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 6:54 PM Misplaced wrote ...

It is time to relocate out of this county. Didn't realize South Bend would turn into Gary East and that the good ole boy politics up here would be so pathetic.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 6:49 PM Pickles wrote ...

The sad thing about all of this is that Carol was the type of woman who would have forgiven this man...We need tougher sentences to keep these people off the streets and driving...My parents always said "Driving is a privledge and to respect it"... A great woman has been lost...

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 6:31 PM Juley wrote ...

I can't believe how dark your hearts are, all of you! This man is a victim of demon alcohol. You want to fix the problem? Outlaw that poison don't punish its victims! My daughter was hit by a drunk driver. I forgave her father, and the Ragsdales should forgive this man! Practicing alcoholic? Hardly. I'm a practicing CHRISTIAN. Maybe if you would open your heart to Jesus you could learn a little forgiveness. Remember, Jesus died on that cross for ALL of us, not just the people you like!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 5:22 PM DeeDee wrote ...

why should he not get longer time! the person should have deffinately should not have been drinking and driving, If the shoe was on the other foot, the family would feel the same way everyone else does.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 5:01 PM Tatoya Mills wrote ...

A 34 year old should not be drunk and driving... he should be taking care of the babies at home, cooking meals for them. They got so skinny babies and the ones that go to school they sleep in class all the time. Please, fathers of babies, dont spend your money on boos, take that money to the babies you got and feed them with vitamins and minerals that all babies need. You could have died yourself in the crash. How much did you spend at the bar everytime you are there? Just count your blessings t

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 5:00 PM Tony Gaskill wrote ...

This man is gay. I met him at the seahorse. He, actually was on his way to see me at my apartment. I hope to see him when he gets out

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 4:52 PM Linda wrote ...

Juley, I can assume you are a practicing alcoholic since you are justifying drinking, driving and vehicular homicide? You are trying to make your point by saying someone who does drugs belongs with with murders and rapists but drunk drivers who take a life should be free on bail? You are an idiot! I would be bitter to since cabs are available 24/7 to take you home. I feel no pity for the driver. He is a fool and you are too!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 4:28 PM Anonymous wrote ...

WE NEED TO ELECT JUDGES!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 4:06 PM DB wrote ...

JULEY - ARE YOU KIDDING? "I'M SORRY- I HAVE A PROBLEM. i SHOULDN'T BE PUNISHED". THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LIBERALS TAKE OVER.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 4:05 PM Gina D. wrote ...

Juley at 3:25 you are one heartless person!!!! How dare you say that the Ragsdales are bitter and vengeful. You would be the same way if this man killed one of your loved ones. You know God does not like this man for what he did so you should turn your cheek and maybe sit in jail with him since you are defending this murderer. How cold of a person can you be?? You make me sick!!!! I pray for the Ragsdales and put this man away forever and ever with Juley at 3:25 because she is sick!!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:57 PM Gina D. wrote ...

Juley at 3:25 what is wrong with you?? This man took a innocent womans life who has a husband, children and grandchildren. How heartless can you be. This man chose to drive while being intoxicated. He had a choice in the matter and this poor woman did not!!!! He is a murderer and last I knew they go to jail locked up not to some treatment center!!!! As far as the Ragsdale family being bitter and vengeful they have every right because they lost a loved one. This man murdered this woman!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:52 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Plea bargin Devork strikes again. Guess what you idiots will vote him in again, and again. I vote against every person in office every time. Why, CHANGE.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:49 PM Cornfusion wrote ...

Egads ,I'll bet you never thought THAT would make it through. I wish I could say I was surprised but there is no rhyme or reason for what slips through and what gets cut. By the way people, St. Joe County is one of only a handful of counties in Indiana that DO NOT elect judges. They ask for our recommendations,m but we have no final say. RIGHT MITCH!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:47 PM Brother wrote ...

3:13 PM Anonymous wrote ... Intent to commit a crime is why.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:45 PM cindy wrote ...

The laws need to be changed. People are getting too light of a sentence, & then when they get out,they go right back doing the same thing. Drunk drivers, people doing these meth labs, & repeat offenders, & murders need to be dealt with differently. (ELECTRIC CHAIR) That needs to come back.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:35 PM Tim Shedd wrote ...

this is why judges should be voted for not appointed why is St. Joe county one of the only countys that way? I think that needs to change and so do the laws

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:26 PM mit wrote ...

If someone is involved in a fatality via a hit and run, the Prosecutor will ask and get 2 years of prison time. Daniel Berebitsky killed my brother, ran from the law and the Prosecutor tread Mr. Berebitsky as if he was the victim. Mr. Berebtsky served less than nine months in prison. Fact! Kenny Cotter, Eric Tamashasky and Mike Dvorak should be removed from the Prosecutors office. The Prosecutor will promote that my brother was under the influence. Justifying my brother dying on the road!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:25 PM Juley wrote ...

This is an utter miscarriage of justice. This poor man has an addiction, and needs treatment immediately. Putting him into lockdown with murderers, rapists and druggies is entirely the wrong move. I pray for his safety in that horrible, horrible place. May God protect him and his family. I think the Ragsdale family is just being bitter and vengeful, and I don't think God likes that sort of thing. Turn the other cheek, remember?

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:24 PM Angie wrote ...

2 years!? Is that a typo?

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:22 PM Jay wrote ...

Sounds like Roland is doing his part to unclog the Nojustice system. "I just won't sentence anyone to anything and then they won't appeal". That sounds logical, NOT.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

thats so stupid!!!kill someone get 2 years,get caught with a small amount of drugs you get 10 or more! whats wrong with this picture?get convicted of domestic violence felony get more than 2 years,if your gonna hit your spouce it would be better to kill them because you would get less time in jail!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:13 PM Family wrote ...

He will only serve a 1 year sentence, not 2. This was stated today at court.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:10 PM haha wrote ...

Jason: Judges don't make the laws. Judges don't make the laws. Judges don't make the laws. (singing) Judges don't make the laws, wheeee! Judges don't make the laws, wheee! Judges don't make the laws, tra la la. Judges don't make the laws! Ohhh, there must be lead in the pain in the midwest, ohhhh there must be lead in the water supply in the midwest...!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 3:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...

With good behavior, this heathen will be out in 1 year and 4 months. Yes, that's right, 16 months for causing a death.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:59 PM Anonymous wrote ...

2 years for a life guess that goes to show how much the court thinks a life is worth. I can not believe that his jerk got so little time while the woman lost her life and all the years she will never have with her family. It just proves what I have been saying for a long time this country is going to the dogs when a person can make the choice to drink and drive then kill someone and only get 2 years something is wrong with our justice system.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:51 PM Anonymous wrote ...

If you are a criminal commit your crime in Saint Joseph County, IN. You'll get off with a small fine or little or no time in jail.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:44 PM AJ wrote ...

I got an idea!! When Derek is free, take him ot drinking and then call the cops. The violation should get him a liitle more time.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:44 PM Anonymous wrote ...

judge chamblee (not capitalized because he's not worthy) needs to go!!! Let's make some noise people! He's only going to let more drunks kill more people!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:39 PM Brother wrote ...

He has a long time to think about how he will live his life in honor of a great woman Carol and the Ragsdale family. My deepest sympathy to them.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:37 PM Linda wrote ...

I doubt if he even serves two years. Maybe a few months because I am so sure he will get religion and be a changed man like every convicted criminal. Drunk driving is illegal plus he took a life as a result of it and destroyed a family. What is wrong with life? You take a life, you give a life. Seems fair to me.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:36 PM Brother wrote ...

There is a Typo in story. His license will be suspended for 3 1/2 years after he is released. He will not be back on the road when he gets out and when he does get back on the road, rest assured he won't be drinking. He deeply regrets the pain he's caused and the life he took as a result of the bad decision he made. He wants nothing more than to turn back time and take it all back. He was ready and willing to pay the price whatever it was. Don't blame him for the sentence.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:33 PM jeff wrote ...

if you want to murder some one get drunk crash into them in 2 years your out that is 1 year if he stays out of trouble a new way to kill and get away with it wow watch out if you have any one that dont like you

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:23 PM ANON wrote ...

Now we know what we can expect Orta will get after killing Officer Toner. I don't understand justice.....taking a life is taking a life. Why are DUI cases taken lightly?

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 2:15 PM Jason wrote ...

Why do we continue to let these judges keep their jobs? It's up to the voters, yet all we do is complain and we don't act.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:58 PM KF wrote ...

I can't believe what I read! This sentence was a slap in the face of justice for the Ragsdale family. Just what does JUSTICE mean anymore? This sentence was nothing MORE than INJUSTICES BY OUR JUDGES which is becoming the norm. LETS VOTE THEM OUT and get some judges who arn't afraid to dole out appropriate sentences for the crime committed!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:55 PM EGADS wrote ...

Grow some balls,Judge

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:35 PM TG wrote ...

They have to keep the laws lenient because when an official or wealthy person does this then they can hire a lawyer to weasel their way out of the sentence.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:23 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Unbelievable. So what if he appeals? He would probably spend more time behind bars waiting for a new hearing than he was sentenced to. This person was driving blind-*ss drunk and KILLED someone. At least we know that our local judges value the drunks more than someone who was a productive member of society.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:23 PM thats sad wrote ...

people who get locked up for child support is getting longer sentences than this dude

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:16 PM no wrote ...

two yeers is getting off easy i hope i dont catch this dude cuz kenny and carol where childhood neighbors to me i grew up with heather their daughter and i for one is outraged by this verdict chamblee shood not be a judge

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:14 PM Ronnie wrote ...

You have got to be kidding me, I will remember this Mr. chamblee at election time, again I will vote AGAINST you. RIP Carol and I am sooo sorry Kenny, Kim Jenny and Heather, this was so senseless and he deserved life for taking hers.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 1:07 PM Elkhart wrote ...

Two years is a joke! He killed a loved one, was suspended AND on probation!? What does it take for someone to do jail time for drunken MURDER???

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:53 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Just think, in two years he will be back on the streets and could potentially do the same thing again. Our justice system should be ashamed of themselves.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:53 PM Disappointed wrote ...

Not enough, again. How is the idiot public to be dissuaded from driving drunk when taking a life and maiming another draws only two years. I hope he's "punished" further while in prison. Chamblee is a coward. If the law permits more and he thinks it is right to impose more he should not back down for fear of an appeal. He's the appointed judge, he should impose the full sentence and let the court of appeals affirm. Then amybe there will be some respect for the law.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:35 PM Randy wrote ...

WOW! A whole 2 years in prison for MURDER with a Car! Boy that was Justice, NOT! Really will make people think twice about drinking and driving.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:30 PM Ed, So.Bend wrote ...

Unbeivable,He is drunk, he is driving and get causes an accident that results in Death and he gets 2 years in prison which means 1 year with good behavior. I guess our Laws stink. Time to change them or the people that make them.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:08 PM Chauncey wrote ...

Yea, yer rite judj, it just come back to ya. Why bodder. Too bad this man's wife will NEVER come back to him! I've supported this judge on several issues lately and now I'm glad I voted for the responsibility of voting these guys OUT! Impose the max, let them appeal, THAT'S his unfortunate right but you could have made him squirm. McGee had no business getting the same sentence for the same crime. Sorry Roland, I went to school with you and I hate to think you're used up but you're not effective

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:07 PM a mom wrote ...

Are you serious? 2 years! What is this city coming to? The Mayor and the judge should be ashamed of themselves.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:05 PM What??? wrote ...

I don't agree with that judge at all! This idiot took a life because he CHOSE to drink and drive and he gets a slap on the wrist! Typical of our 'wonderful' court system! Now, her husband and family have to deal with the emotional scars for the rest of their lives and this scum bag will get out in 2 years and likely do it again. Very pathetic!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 12:03 PM sorry wrote ...

My thoughts go out to the family here. Bound by what law? Where is the law that will help this family move on? Maybe if more judges took the easy way out, there would be less deaths.Was pleading guilty the easy way out for this man?Laws have to change, human beings do have a value in life and to be recognized as such.Let us all remember this mans face so when he gets out early and abuses his probation we can call him in before he kills or injures again.

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 11:50 AM GAD wrote ...

WOW ONLY 2 YEARS FOR DRIVING DRUNK AND TAKING A LIFE. IM SO ASHAMED THAT OUR COURTS RULED THIS DECISION. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!

Wednesday, Nov 12 at 11:45 AM Anonymous wrote ...

2 years. What a joke. You get more for a gram of coke than killing someone. You want to make friends Obama and the dems. Change these laws and make them right.

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