HANOVER, Va. --The prison sentence could be reduced for the Hanover doctor convicted of hitting and killing a young mother who was out running
Dr. Michael Carlson was recently sentenced to four years behind bars for the death of Meg Menzies; the judge gave Carlson 10 years in prison, with six suspended.
Carlson is eligible for a state substance abuse treatment program, his attorney confirmed. If Carlson successfully completes the two-year program, he could get out of prison early.
It will be up to the Department of Corrections to determine how much time he would get credit for upon completion of the program.
He will return to court on April 10, at 1 p.m., and the program will likely be discussed.
"We are confused and discouraged by the news, thinking that part of this journey was resolved,” said Pam Cross, Menzies’ mother, in a statement to CBS 6. “I am sad that our family has to go through this again."
Carlson had previously admitted to drinking the night before he hit and killed Menzies, a mother of three, while she ran one morning in January with her husband.
He spoke for the first time at his February sentencing, telling the judge and Menzies’ family how he was deeply sorry for his actions.
“I think about them every day,” he said. “I pray for them every day -- I pray that they’ll find peace and happiness. I accept full responsibility. I am sorry.”
