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Man Sentenced 33 Yrs. For Deaths of Two Tenn. Officers; Chase Lead to Fiery Crash

The Associated Press

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A man will spend 33 years in prison for the deaths of two police officers during a car chase that ended in a fiery crash.

Sharfyne White pleaded guilty Nov. 4 to four counts of aggravated robbery and two counts of reckless vehicular homicide for the deaths of officers David Scott, 42, and Yamil Baez-Santiago, 23.

White was 20 when he fled from police June 7, 2002, after robbing a hotel. Scott and Baez-Santiago pursued White until their cruiser crossed into oncoming traffic, was hit and caught fire.

White apologized during his sentencing hearing Monday before Judge John Gasaway.

“Ever since I was arrested, I’ve tried to let everyone know I was sorry for what happened. I don’t want to make a bunch of excuses or beg for mercy,” White said. “I’ve been called a killer and referred to as a monster, but that’s not who I am. I hope when all of this is over, you all won’t hate me. I’m really sorry.”

The only explanation White gave for why he fled from the officers was “plain stupidity.”