Family of I-89 crash victim hope plea will turn Benoir's life around

The family of a Richmond EMT killed two years ago in crash on Interstate 89 hopes a plea agreement will encourage the woman who caused the man's death to turn her life around.

Family members of Brendon Cousino spoke outside a Burlington courtroom Thursday following a change of plea hearing for Karri Benoir, 25, of Barre.

"We can live our lives in a way that reflects Brendon's kindness and the kind of person he was, but it's got to go out beyond that, too," said Cousino's mother, Cindy Cousino. 

Brendon Cousino was a 30-year-old carpenter, volunteer EMT and father to three girls. 

During the hearing, Benoir pleaded guilty to a felony charge of gross negligent driving with death resulting. Three other charges, including second-degree murder which carries a potential 20 years to life in prison, will be dropped per a plea agreement. 

The plea agreement calls for a sentence of 6 to 15 years to serve in prison, but a judge will have the final say in the penalty Benoir receives. Benoir's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9. Judge David Fenster ordered a pre-sentence investigation be completed in the meantime. 

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Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George said she thinks the plea agreement is fair and takes into account all the risks of going to trial. Benoir's lawyer Rob Sussman declined comment after the hearing. Members of Benoir's family at the hearing also left without comment.

Members of the Cousino family said they provided input to the Chittenden County State's Attorney's Office for an agreement they thought would be appropriate.

"I think we were very prepared for what came down today," said Brendon Cousino's oldest brother, Zach Cousino. 

"Nothing can bring Brendon back," Cindy Cousino added. "She could spend no time in prison or she could be in prison for life, and that doesn't change anything."

Richmond Rescue issued a statement after the hearing remembering Brendon Cousino as "quiet and humble, loyal and gentle." In 2016, the annual Richmond Rescue Crew Chief’s award was renamed the Brendon Cousino Service Award, the agency said.

"He was an exceptional role model, especially for new crew members," the news release stated. "He made rookies feel at-home, taking many new EMTs under
his wing and helping them to grow as medical providers. Brendon always showed strength in the face of adversity, and was empathetic to the struggles of every patient who crossed his path."

On Thursday, Judge Fenster questioned Benoir about the facts of the case relating to the gross negligent driving charge. Benoir admitted to driving south on Interstate 89 the day of the crash in July 2015 and making a left turn into the median while traveling at a high speed. She also admitted to causing the crash that killed Brendon Cousino.

Chittenden County Deputy State's Attorney Franklin Paulino told Judge Fenster on Thursday that police found no evidence that Benoir applied the breaks when driving into the median.

Prosecutors have said they believe Benoir was attempting to commit suicide when she crashed her car. Sussman has disputed that assertion. 

If the plea agreement is accepted, the Department of Corrections could put restrictions on Benoir's ability to drive once she is let out of prison on furlough. Under the plea agreement, Benoir would receive credit for the almost two years served in prison so far, spend at minimum four more years in jail and be under state supervision until she is almost 40 years old. 

State's Attorney George said going to trial would have been a risk since proving a murder charge in a fatal crash is difficult. She said she has spoken to the Department of State's Attorneys and Sheriffs about bringing legislation for a vehicular homicide charge to the Vermont Legislature in the coming year. 

"I think that is a place where we're really missing for things like this," George said. 

Benoir has been jailed for lack of $100,000 bail at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility since November 2015, when her home detention was revoked. At the time, Benoir was arrested for being in violation of court-ordered conditions requiring she live with a responsible adult.

Two other charges that were dismissed involved alleged assaults that occurred while Benoir has been in prison.

Brendon Cousino's  family has set up the Brendon P. Cousino Med47 Foundation to provide funds and equipment for local rescue squads and for kids to attend trade school. Zach Cousino, his older brother, said the foundation has raised more than $6,000 this year.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @LizMurrayBFP.