Driver in fatal St. Paul hit-and-run gets stayed sentence

Margaret Prowse's family wasn't too happy Monday when they learned that the man who hit and killed her as she crossed University Avenue in St. Paul last February won't have to serve any more jail time.

Terrance L. Oliver, 45, was given a 19-month stayed sentence and put on probation for three years. He was ordered to serve 148 days in the workhouse but was given credit for the 148 days he has already spent in custody. He also was ordered to pay more than $6,700 restitution.

Oliver pleaded guilty in April to leaving the scene of a traffic accident resulting in death. He told police that he was blinded by the sun and never saw Prowse, 59, as she hurried across University about 50 paces from Fairview Avenue. The accident happened about 7:45 a.m. Feb. 20.

When Oliver was charged in February, County Attorney Susan Gaertner said there was no evidence that he was driving negligently or speeding. He had the right of way and Prowse stepped in front his vehicle, she said.

Prowse was tossed into the center median where a passerby comforted her and tried to save her until paramedics arrived. She died a few hours later.

Oliver was arrested that night. He hasn't had a driver's license for about 14 years. Prosecutor Juan Hoyos pointed out to Ramsey County District Judge Edward S. Wilson that Oliver has 16 traffic-related convictions and the latest charge is his 10th felony conviction.

Oliver was conditionally released after his guilty plea but was returned to custody when he tested positive for marijuana use. Appearing in court in an orange jail jumpsuit, he mumbled an apology before he was sentenced.

Prowse's husband of 39 years, Warren, gave a brief statement in court. "This has really created a hardship for me and my family," he said. "Me and my family feel Mr. Oliver should not get any good time in this matter."

Prowse's daughter, Dawn Bohland, told the court her mother was "a kind, loving, caring person" and asked the court to "hold [Oliver] accountable."

Wilson said he doesn't like to use the phrase 'my hands are tied,' "but I am required to follow the law and the law calls for a stayed sentence."

The judge called it "an extremely difficult case for everyone."

Oliver and the Prowses lived within two blocks of each other in St. Paul.

"I'm at a loss without my wife," Warren Prowse said after the hearing. He said the family had hoped to see the court "make this guy a better citizen. It seems like he has no regard for the law."

Prowse's son, Tim, also attended the hearing.

"He took a life and is getting off pretty easy," said Tim Prowse, who was accompanied by his 16-year-old daughter.

Bohland said after court that her 5-year-old daughter had told her, "Mommy, go in front of the judge and make this bad guy go away for a long time."

Pat Pheifer • 651-298-1551