'I killed a man.' Drunk driver confesses on YouTube, faces prison

A man has confessed to causing a DUI crash that killed another man last June. The remarkable thing is he taped and posted his confession on YouTube and says he is ready to go to prison for his crime.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - "I killed a man" the video says as Matthew Cordle, 22, recounts hoe he drank and ended up driving the wrong way on a Columbus, Ohio freeway and struck another vehicle.

That collision killed Vincent Canzani, 61.

Cordle was a suspect in the crash, but he hasn't yet been charged. Prosecutors say his blood tested positive for alcohol but not drugs. Prosecutors add that his taped confession will probably be enough to close the case.

In the video, which begins with his face blurred, Cordle says he "made a mistake" and confessed to being depressed and spending a night out drinking with friends. After a night of "drinking really heavily"  he explained that he drove the wrong way in a drunken stupor on Interstate 670 and collided with Canzani.

His face now becomes clear in the video.

Cordle promises to take full responsibility for his actions.  "When I get charged I'll plead guilty and take full responsibility for everything I've done to Vincent and his family." He acknowledged that his confession will allow prosecutors to put him away "for a very long time."

Cordle ended the confession by imploring others not to drink and drive. "I can't bring Mr. Canzani back, and I can't erase what I've done, but you can still be saved. Your victims can still be saved. So, please, make the promise to never drink and drive."

Justice must be served and according to prosecutors, Cordle could face up to eight years in prison for aggravated vehicular homicide while intoxicated. Cordle realizes that he deserves this punishment, which is entirely appropriate.

It may be of little comfort to the victim's family, but Cordle is doing the right thing by taking responsibility. Responsibility must be accepted so forgiveness becomes easier. Now if his efforts saves lives by dissuading others from drinking and driving, then there will be some return on the tragedy which has cost one man his life and another his freedom and reputation.

There is forgiveness for those who are truly sorry, but it is much better to avoid sin than to beg forgiveness for Earthly crimes. It is prayed that the family of Mr. Canzani finds some closure now that Cordle accepts his responsibility and will face justice.

See the confession here.

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