My name is Lance Corporal Javan Spoolstra, and Zach is my older brother.

 

I am a Marine in the United States Marine Corps. I realized when I enlisted that I was putting my life potentially at risk for something bigger than myself.  My family, and especially my mom, supported my decision, although it terrified them to consider that my life could be lost.  

 

My brother Zach did not choose to put his life on the line on May 6th.  The choice was made for him when Joshawa Bechtel chose to get drunk and still get behind the wheel of his vehicle.  This was a conscious and active choice and not the first time he made it, which resulted in the horrific killing of my brother.

​

I wasn’t sure that I was going to be able to be in Idaho for this, and to be here to support my family, originally I wasn’t sure I could write anything down for the court today.  How can you state briefly what “impact” Zach’s death has had on my family? Impact?! The decision Mr. Bechtel made on May 6th of last year did not “impact” my family-it devastated my family.  It destroyed my brother’s opportunity to live out the rest of his life the way that Joshawa Bechtel will have the opportunity of living out his.  It took away (Zach’s) hopes and dreams and a piece of all of us that will never be the same.

 

I urge the court to consider the options no longer available to me, my family and Zach.  Your sentencing of this repeat offender cannot bring my brother back, but maybe it can send a message to Joshawa, and all of those who think drinking and driving is of no consequence. A message to those who choose to drink and drive and take away the life and future of another human being.