I first heard the news on Friday, and I apologize for not blogging about it sooner. Matthew Cordle, 22 admitted in a YouTube video posted on because I said I would that he killed Vincent Canzani, 61 while driving drunk on June 22nd of this year. It was a hit and run, and as of the time of the confession – recorded September 3rd 2013 and posted on September 5th 2013 – he had not been charged.
The video starts off with Matthew’s face blurred and his voice distorted, where he explains what happened that night, and how he had a drinking problem. Eventually, the effects come off and you see his face and hear his voice. He admits that doing this video would give the prosecutors everything they need to put him away for a long time, but he is ready to face the consequences.
Since releasing the video, he has been arrested (on Monday, September 11th) and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and faces up to eight and half years in prison. His mother, Kari, posted a Facebook message saying, “I am posting this video to support my son in his goal to get out his sincere and powerful message to never drink and drive. I am proud of his courage & strength to see this through. Thank you son.”
Matthew Cordle, Face Blurred
Matthew Cordle, Face Shown
Vincent Canzani, 61, Victim of Matthew Cordle
Matthew Cordle Being Arrested
Matthew Cordle & His Mother, Kari
Matthew Cordle, Promise Card
It’s unfortunate that Vincent Canzani is permanently dead, and itt’s unfortunate that this confession cannot bring him back and undo the damage. His family and friends will forever have to live without him. But I sincerely applaud Matthew Cordle for stepping up and taking responsibility for his actions. He is no hero, but for coming out and claiming full responsibility (even when the officers did not know) is praise-worthy. His mother has raised a good son, and I pray that the Judge and jury tempers justice with mercy.
I cannot tell you honestly that if I were in Matthew’s shoes, I would have the courage and moral conviction to turn myself in. I can only pray that I never, ever have to face this kind of situation. I pray that God gives Vincent Canzani’s friends and family the fortitude to bear this loss. I pray that his death isn’t in vain, and that people – myself included – may learn a lesson from this. It can happen to anyone.
Let’s not drink and drive. It’s dangerous for everyone. You have to remember that drinking and driving puts everyone at risk – both drunk and sober. Let us all be careful, please.
#SaveYourVictim #SaveYourself
Source of all photos: Daily Mail
I saw this over the weekend too. He’s really brave for coming out…most people will take it to their graves! At least, he now has a clear conscience.
Yup. I applaud him for doing the right and very difficult thing. Not easy at all.
Wow. I applaud him… It takes a lot to admit to something of such magnitude… Especially when one could easily get a way with it.
Very true, Mikki. It does take a lot.
When I saw it last week I was shocked…the damage has been done already and can’t be undone but I have to give him credit for been brave & courageous to admit his wrong doing when no one saw him. Hope we all can learn from his message that drinking & drive don’t go along & can’t go along.
That’s the saddest part, the fact that it cannot be undone.
I admire his courage..My heart goes out to his victim, and I pray that knowing why he died will help towards giving his friends and family a measure of closure. I read about someone who ran over a cyclist whilst looking at her satnav, I think we all need to be more careful behind the wheel. God help us all.
I think that sometimes we are not aware of the power of this big machinery we drive around.
I just saw this video yesterday….and I applaud his courage. Now, I just saw that he pled NOT GUILTY….is that true? I can’t find it anywhere on the web. I find articles he was indicted & he was GOING to plead guilty, but nothing about what has apparently (?) transpired today. We have computer screens in our elevators at work that bring in news through the Captivate Network, and about 15 mins ago I saw an update that he pled not guilty. If that is the case, I’m really disappointed…
pleading not guilty is a pretty standard legal action. it doesn’t reflect his thoughts per se.
Manny, I guess Marci’s confusion is because he said he will plead guilty. We don’t know the details yet anyway.
Girrrrrrllll, I was at work today when I heard that the lawyer entered a not guilty plea. But I couldn’t hear much else cause the volume was low. I know they did say something about changing judges. I need to go research and find out what the heck is going on.
IDK, I’m glad that he confessed and all. At least the guys family can get some kind of closure. But something about this just seems so disingenuous. Like, he could’ve just turned himself in. I don’t see what the point of all this fanfare was.
Lol. I thought of that, but I dismissed it and decided that he did it to get his story out and be in control of it. I don’t know. That’s what I figured
Let’s add to that DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE
I had a fool almost swerve into me the other day and she didn’t even know. I pulled up next to her and she was busy reading something on her phone and laughing.
Manny, you don’t know how many times I have wished I had magical powers to crush people’s phones. *HISS* Thank God you’re safe though.
Yea, DO not text and drive… i am one guilty chic.
I think you meant to put the NOT in caps, not the DO. Lol.