Souvannaphong Enters Plea in Fatal Sauk Rapids Crash

FOLEY -- A St. Cloud man will be sentenced to prison for a fatal drunk driving crash that killed a Hibbing couple last August.

Benton County Attorney Philip Miller says 23-year-old Tom Souvannaphong has entered an Alford plea on two counts of criminal vehicular homicide involving alcohol. An Alford plea means a defendant doesn't admit guilt, but agrees the evidence in the case would likely result in a conviction.

Miller says Assistant County Attorney Rebecca Hoffman consulted with the family of Kevin and Kathy Davey and they agreed to the terms, which means Souvannaphong will be sentenced to seven years in prison for the crime.  A Benton County judge will determine any fines and additional conditions at the time of sentencing.

Court records show Souvannaphong sped through a red light at the intersection of Benton Drive and Second Street North in Sauk Rapids last August. His car struck The Davey's vehicle broadside as it was heading through the intersection on a green light. The Davey's were killed and a third person was hurt.

Souvannaphong will be sentenced April 14th.