Deadly drunk driver on Matlacha sentenced to 24 years in prison

MATLACHA, Fla. — A drunk driver who hit four people - killing one woman outside of a Matlacha restaurant - will spend 24 years in prison.

Cody Curtis appeared in court on Tuesday, and pleaded no contest, which means he's not admitting guilt, but accepting the punishment.

In April 2024, Curtis hit and killed 80-year-old Mary Lou Sharpe eating outside That BBQ Place in Matlacha. He also hit four other people.

Before Curtis was sentenced, he read a letter he wrote to the family of the victims, some sitting in the audience during the court hearing.

He told the family he didn't expect them to forgive him and that he thinks about Sharpe every day.

"I would never believe that one day it would be my actions that would cause someone to lose their life and seriously hurting multiple others," he said. "One thing I need you to know is I never meant to hurt anyone or anyone. I truly am so very sorry for this tragic accident of which the weight will be with me for the rest of my life."

Curtis went on to say he will attend AA meetings in prison and then when he gets out, Curtis said he wants to do what he can to stop DUI-related deaths.

Troopers say his blood alcohol concentration was .137%.

For his sentence, each charge's punishment will be served consecutively. For the DUI manslaughter charge, he has to serve four years mandatory. He was credited 268 days of time served.

A judge has also suspended Curtis' license for the rest of his life.

This case was drawn out because back in November, Curtis asked for a new attorney in a Nelson hearing, but that request was denied.

A day later his attorney, Robert Hines, filed a motion to withdraw as counsel.

On Tuesday, a case management conference was scheduled before it was switching to a plea hearing.