Joseph Brynda Gets Seven Years For Fatal DUI Crash

A man convicted of killing a pedestrian while driving under the influence and texting was sentenced to seven years in prison this week.

Joseph Brynda, 20, of Frankfort pleaded guilty to aggravated driving under the influence in a Bridgeview courtroom, the Chicago Tribune reports. Brynda also pleaded guilty to an unrelated burglary he had committed, the Cook County State's Attorney office reports.

Marijuana was found in Brynda's system, as was freon, a gas emitted by air conditioning units that produces a euphoric high when inhaled. Brynda was reportedly texting while driving, and a witness said he appeared to be 'driving with his knees,' the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Brynda struck Phillip Rangel, 60, in suburban Tinley Park, after swerving onto a curb on 183rd St., the Associated Press reports. Rangel was walking to the 80th Avenue Metra Station to board a train to Blue Island.

Brynda had eight previous driving citations for offenses including speeding and failing to yield to emergency vehicles, as well as at least one previous accident with injuries, the Sun-Times reports. The burglary charge stems from a Nov. 2010 incident in Oak Lawn.