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Serial DUI Offender Pleads Guilty In Death Of Chester County Man, Victim's Family Speaks Out

By Jim Melwert

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) -- A Chester County man pleaded guilty Monday to a DUI crash that took the life of a 24-year-old man. He'll face 8-17 years when he is sentenced in May. Now, the victim's family is working with the District Attorney's office to get stiffer penalties for repeat-DUI offenders.

50-year-old Robert Landis pleaded guilty to three charges, including Homicide by Vehicle DUI for his part in a crash that killed 24-year-old Liam Crowley in Westtown Township in April 2013.

Liam Crowley
Liam Crowley (credit: Chester County DA's office)

Landis had seven prior DUI's and a blood alcohol level of .28 when he turned his pick-up truck in front of Crowley's motorcycle.

The DA's office says they're limited by sentencing guidelines. Liam's mother Diane Crowley made a tearful plea for what's being called Liam's Law -- stiffer penalties to anyone with multiple DUI's involved in a fatal DUI crash.

"There are no words I can find that adequately describe what I'm feeling or how it is to live my life with Liam not here," she said. "But I do ask that you listen and you take what I am saying to heart."

The DA's office has sent the legislation to state senator John Rafferty.

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