LAKE COUNTY — A Clearlake man was sentenced to six years in state prison Monday afternoon for the stabbing death of another man in May of 2013.
Judge Andrew S. Blum respected the deal struck between Darrell Vernon Sidwell, 58, and the prosecution, which stipulated the middle term of six years.
During the hearing, a letter was read on behalf of the parents of the victim, Brad Beaudoin. The parents asked for justice and said that even after more than a year after their son”s death it is still strongly felt around the family home.
The letter added that, as Beaudoin”s parents, they did not believe there was a sentence long enough, but that they supported the deal reached by the Lake County District Attorney”s (DA) Office for a six-year sentence.
After the letter was read, Sidwell also attempted to address the court, but he was emotionally unable to read his written statement and stopped without being able to complete the first sentence.
The statement was then read by his attorney Stephen Carter. In it, Sidwell sent condolences to Beaudoin”s family for what he called “a tragic accident.” He added that there was never any malice in his heart.
Sidwell pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on March 24 after the deal was reached with the DA”s Office.
He initially faced charges of murder, assault, a special allegation stating use of a deadly weapon and a second special allegation accusing him of inflicting great bodily injury. The prosecution dropped those charges as part of the deal.
The maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter is 11 years in prison, but the deal struck with Deputy District Attorney Megan Lankford stipulated Sidwell would be sentenced to the middle term, according to a press release by the Law Offices of Carter & Carter in March.
Sidwell was accused of stabbing Beaudoin in May of 2013 and causing his death during an argument involving the position of a boat parked out of water near Park Street and Old Highway 53 in Clearlake.
Testimonials during Sidwell”s preliminary hearing by Clearlake Police Department Det. Ryan Peterson and officer Andy Adams revealed that Sidwell was involved in at least two arguments with Beaudoin”s girlfriend and also argued with Beaudoin throughout the day of the alleged stabbing.
According to the Law Offices of Carter & Carter, a toxicology report revealed Beaudoin reportedly had illegal and prescription drugs in his system and Sidwell had a significant amount of alcohol in his system.
Sidwell is in custody at the Lake County Hill Road Correctional Facility. He will later be transferred to a state prison.
Isaac Brambila is an associate editor for Lake County Publishing. Reach him at 900-2020 or at ibrambila@record-bee.com.
