Man sentenced to 18 years in crash that killed son, age 4

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. – A Colorado Springs man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after a drunken-driving crash that killed his 4-year-old son.

Prosecutors say 31-year-old Christopher Small was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide while driving under the influence.

Authorities say Small was driving an SUV with his son, Lucca, in the back seat when the SUV crashed in Douglas County on Feb. 20.

Prosecutors say Small’s blood-alcohol content was 0.098 per cent four hours after the crash. Under Colorado law, 0.08 and above is considered under the influence.

Prosecutors say Small told investigators he had drunk two shots of whisky before picking up Lucca from daycare. Authorities say Small’s blood also contained THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.

Small must serve five years on parole after his release.