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A Slingerlands man, Thomas McGrath, aged 73, is facing up to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a fatal crash in May 2023. The crash on Route 85 in Bethlehem claimed the life of 17-year-old Michael Kleinke, a senior at Colonie High School. McGrath admitted to driving while impaired by drugs and alcohol, leading to the tragic accident.
During a court proceeding on Wednesday (April 2), McGrath pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and driving while ability impaired. The plea agreement allows McGrath to avoid trial and includes an indeterminate prison sentence of four to 12 years. He is scheduled for sentencing on June 16.
According to Times Union, McGrath was under the influence of a combination of medications, including methadone and fentanyl, at the time of the crash. The crash left Kleinke with severe injuries, and he died two days later in the hospital.
The plea agreement has been met with mixed emotions from Kleinke's family. While some family members expressed dissatisfaction with the sentence, Assistant District Attorney Collin D’Arcy mentioned that the family supported the plea for its finality. McGrath remains free on bail until his sentencing, under conditions set by the court.
Kleinke, who was driving a 2001 Ford Mustang he rebuilt with his grandfather, was remembered by his girlfriend, Lillyann Morrison, as a caring and selfless individual. Morrison and the Kleinke family attended the court proceedings, seeking justice for Michael.