ORLANDO, Fla. — The man accused in a DUI hit-and-run crash that killed a University of Central Florida student on campus in June 2019 was sentenced Wednesday to 12 years in prison.
What You Need To Know
- Yousuf Hasan will spend 8 years on probation after prison
- London Harrell, 21, died after Acura slammed into her at UCF
- Judge hammered Hasan for failing to call for emergency help
Yousuf Hasan, 26, crashed an Acura into 21-year-old London Harrell while she walking on the east side of Napiers Circle on a grass shoulder near Pasteur Drive at 12:47 a.m. June 22, 2019, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Circuit Court Judge Elaine A. Barbour called Hasan's prison term a "minimum mandatory sentence," implying he would serve all 12 years. She also sentenced him to eight years of probation after prison.
She blasted Hasan for failing to call for help after the crash.
"You were only concerned about yourself and that is a mirror, sir, into your soul," Barbour said.
She noted Hasan crashed into someone else before ramming into Harrell.
In that crash, Hasan was heading north on Alafaya Trail when he pulled into the path of a southbound Honda Accord at Mendel Drive. The Honda’s driver wasn’t injured.
Hasan drove off, leaving his vehicle’s front bumper in the roadway, troopers said. He hit Harrell seven minutes later, records show.
Officers later found Hasan not far from the crash, sleeping on the ground behind the Acura in a parking lot off University Boulevard.
The officer who arrested Hasan in the parking lot of 11850 University Boulevard said he appeared intoxicated. His speech was “heavily slurred” and he struggled to stand up straight, an arrest affidavit says.
His breath was tested for alcohol after 6 a.m. Two samples showed no evidence of alcohol.
Before imposing her sentence, Barbour said she appreciated Hasan's remorse and understood his young son would grow up without him.
But, she said, he deserved punishment, noting that he initially denied any involvement and, despite having many opportunities, never called for help.
"Your actions have consequences. Consequences have ripple effects. And ripple effects have gone out throughout the community that has been affected by the death of London Herrell. Her family. Her loved ones. Her friends," the judge said. "Apparently she was an extremely well-thought of young lady."
Barbour reminded Hasan of the pain he caused Harrell's family and friends at UCF. Harrell, known for volunteering for charities, belonged to Kappa Kappa Gamma, which particpated in a candlelight vigil at UCF after her death.
Her parents, residents of Blythewood, South Carolina, and friends testified during Wednesday's hearing about the pain they suffered from Harrell's death.
The judge noticed a common theme among their statements: Herrell lit up rooms and brightened up everyone she met.
"She had a bright, bright future in front of her. She was poised to give so much back to society," Barbour said.
After the sentencing, Herrell's mom, Paula Cobb, posted on Facebook:
"Thank you for all your prayers and support," she wrote. "I hope you all remember the greatest justice we can do is to live like London and let your light shine. We can feel safe that he will be off the streets for 12 years and will have another 8 of probation."