The son of a two-time Super Bowl winner has been sentenced for a 2022 hit-and-run that killed a father of two.
Walter Andrew Brister IV, 24, avoided prison time on Friday when he was given three years probation as part of a previously negotiated plea deal.
As part of his sentence, Brister – who was facing up 10 years in prison for his felony charge of hit and run resulting in death – will have to complete 250 hours of community service, pay a $5,000 fine and share his story with college students, according to The Advocate.
Brister was a quarterback on Louisiana Tech’s football team at the time of the accident, which killed 44-year-old dad of two Jude Jarreau.
The 23-year-old’s father is Walter ‘Bubby’ Brister III, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Steelers, Broncos, Eagles, Jets and Vikings.
He was the third-string quarterback behind John Elway for the Broncos’ two Super Bowl wins in 1998 and 1999.
On Friday, according to The Advocate, the elder Brister was next to his son and they ’embraced’ as they walked out of the courtroom together.
Almost exactly two years ago on October 9, 2022, Brister was driving a Range Rover SUV when he struck Jarreau as he crossed the street.
Jarreau died at the scene, but Brister drove away and later said he hadn’t realized he hit a pedestrian until the following morning.
District Judge Will Jorden said in a Baton Rouge courtroom that Brister would serve a 10-year sentence if he doesn’t follow his probation, which also includes mental health counseling and driving courses.
Jarreau is survived by two daughters.
His mother, Clair Cassard, told the judge, ‘This has affected me in more ways than I can imagine. Days go by and I still can’t sleep. I can’t think straight. My life was changed forever from that night on. ‘
No words can fill the hole in my heart, the void in my life and the loss of my son. I hope no one sitting in this courtroom ever has to go through what I went through.’
