KENTUCKY: Deadliest drunken driver released

Sun | Nation & World

* Larry Mahoney killed 27 people when he hit a church bus in 1988, is now free and can apply for a new driver's license.

LA GRANGE, Ky. - The man convicted in the nation's deadliest drunken driving accident - a fiery, head-on collision that killed 27 people on a church bus - was released from prison Wednesday after 912 years and is free to get another driver's license.

Larry Mahoney, 46, was driven away in the back seat of a car, carrying his belongings in two brown paper bags. He said nothing.

"It is my impression that he wants to blend back into society," said state police Lt. Henry "Sonny" Cease, who investigated the 1988 crash that led Kentucky to tighten its standards for school buses. "I think he's done the time that was dealt to him, and it's time to move on."

Mahoney was driving his pickup truck the wrong way on an interstate when he smashed into a bus carrying home 67 people from a church outing at an amusement park. The bus's gas tank ruptured, and flames engulfed the front section. Mahoney's blood alcohol content was 0.24, more than twice the level of intoxication in Kentucky of 0.10.

The former chemical plant worker was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison but got time off for good behavior and taking courses.

After the wreck, Kentucky changed its specifications for school buses, requiring them to have flame-retardant seats, fuel tank cages, push-out windows, left-side emergency exits and escape hatches in the roof. Federal law had already required fuel tank cages on buses manufactured after 1977.

Ford, which made the bus, also settled a lawsuit with 65 of the families, reportedly for at least $36 million.

After Mahoney was turned down for parole in 1997, he chose to serve out his sentence and left prison with no restrictions or reporting requirements. He can even get a driver's license if he decides to do so.

Kentucky law does not prohibit convicted felons from driving, even those convicted of causing a drunken driving-related death. Driving records are expunged after five years of no incidents, so Mahoney can apply for a learner's permit and take the exam if he chooses to do so.

Mahoney is believed to be staying with his parents, who live in his former hometown of Worthville not far from the crash, which took place outside Carrollton.

"Larry Mahoney, no matter what he is labeled, should be grateful he can go back to some sort of a normal life," said Karolyn Nunnallee, whose 10-year-old daughter, Patty, was the youngest victim to die.

Nunnallee said she is not angry at Mahoney, but troubled by the system that gave him only 16 years.

She said she wishes Mahoney would use his experience for the good of others: "If he can prevent it from ever happening again, he could save lives."