Coban Porter Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Fatal DUI Crash

Coban Porter, the younger brother of Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday for killing 42-year-old Katharina Rothman in a drunk driving crash in Denver on January 22, 2023. Porter pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and vehicular assault charges in February as part of a plea agreement that capped his sentence at eight years.

According to police, Porter was driving an estimated 50 mph in a 30 mph zone and ran a red light near the University of Denver around 2 a.m. His blood alcohol level was 0.19, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08. Porter crashed into the driver's side of Rothman's vehicle, killing her and seriously injuring her passenger, 47-year-old Jason Blanch.

During the emotional sentencing hearing, Rothman's mother expressed the devastating impact of losing her daughter. "My grandson has to grow up without a mother," she said through tears. "Our family will always have pain and will always miss her."

Porter, 22, acknowledged his guilt and expressed remorse for his actions. "There are no excuses for what I've done," he said. "I never thought I would be in this situation... I had chosen to drink and drive before." He apologized to Rothman's family and said he hopes his sentencing brings them some peace.

Michael Porter Jr. testified on behalf of his brother, describing him as a man of good character who had pushed him to become the NBA player he is today. "I wish it was me instead of him," an emotional Michael Porter Jr. said. "He doesn't deserve to go through this."

Denver District Attorney Beth McCann called Rothman's death a "terrible tragedy" and said the six-year prison sentence was appropriate given the severity of Porter's crimes. "This case is a cautionary tale of the disasters that often result when people drink and drive," McCann stated. She commended the work of the Denver Police Department and her office in handling the case.

In addition to the criminal case, the crash has resulted in two civil lawsuits against Porter and the bar that allegedly served him alcohol prior to the incident. The lawsuits, filed by Rothman's family and Blanch, allege that the bar continued to serve Porter despite him being visibly intoxicated. Porter's sentencing comes just two days after his brother Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban from the NBA for violating the league's gambling policies.

Key Takeaways

• Coban Porter sentenced to 6 years in prison for fatal DUI crash in Denver.
• Porter's blood alcohol level was 0.19, more than twice the legal limit.
• Victim's family expressed devastation over the loss and impact on their lives.
• Porter acknowledged guilt and expressed remorse, while his brother testified on his behalf.
• Case resulted in civil lawsuits against Porter and the bar that allegedly served him.