Drunk driver gets up to 24 years in death of Saratoga environmentalist

PHOTOGRAPHER: Marc Schultz

In an Albany County courtroom today (Jan. 12, 2016), Kadeem Fowler of Troy reacts as Judge Stephen Herrick sentences him on a vehicular homicide charge in the July 2015 death of Amy Stock.

The man who admitted to driving drunk last July and causing the crash that killed Sustainable Saratoga co-founder Amy Stock was sentenced today to up to 24 years in state prison.

Albany County Judge Stephen Herrick imposed the sentence after hearing Stock family members recall the energetic, caring and giving woman they knew and loved.

The admitted drunk driver, 23-year-old Kadeem Fowler of Troy, also expressed remorse, saying he takes full responsibility and that he is “truly sorry for my actions” after the prosecutor outlined varying accounts Fowler gave of the crash that killed Stock, 48, co-founder of the non-profit that promotes sustainable development in Saratoga Springs.

Fowler, who also served in the National Guard, pleaded guilty in November to one count of vehicular homicide.

In exchange, he avoided a possible murder indictment and agreed to a maximum sentence between 18 and 25 years in prison.

Fowler, driving a 2008 Dodge Charger, slammed into the side of Stock’s car the morning of July 19 at the corner of First Street and Henry Johnson Boulevard in Albany. He had a blood-alcohol level of .27 percent, well above the legal limit of .08.

The crash happened after Fowler hit three parked cars on Quail and First streets, speeding off at 75 mph and into Stock’s car. Officers in the area tried to stop him before the crash, but Fowler kept going.

Herrick ultimately sentenced Fowler to between eight and 24 years in prison.

Herrick credited Fowler with pleading guilty and preventing Stock’s family from having to suffer through lengthy legal proceedings. But the judge also noted Fowler’s varying statements about the crash, including one to a treatment center. In that statement, Fowler said Stock hit him.

“No she didn’t,” Herrick said slowly, dramatically holding up a picture from the crash scene.

Stock family members wiped their eyes throughout the proceedings. Emotion also showed in their words — their voices sometimes faltering as they spoke. They told of the woman they lost, an environmental advocate, aspiring writer and woman who tirelessly offered warmth and compassion.

They also spoke of the early morning phone calls each received in which they learned of Stock’s death, plus that it came at the hands of a drunk driver.

Eileen Stock, Amy’s sister and a cancer survivor, told of Amy being at her side through the arduous treatments and at the celebratory treatment conclusion, just two months before Amy died.

Eileen Stock brought to court the baby blanket that her sister offered during those treatments, hoping it could comfort her.

“Nothing could prepare me for the pain of losing my sister Amy,” Eileen said. “Trust me, a broken heart hurts a lot more than the wrath of cancer.”

Family members have set up a scholarship in Stock’s honor and posthumously published a book Stock wrote, “River Stories: Healing Through Nature and Rivers.”

Proceeds from the book go to her scholarship.

Mary Tanner-Richter of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted. Attorney George LaMarche represented Fowler.

Reach Gazette reporter Steven Cook at 395-3122, [email protected] or @ByStevenCook on Twitter.