The Virginian-Pilot
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VIRGINIA BEACH
A Virginia Beach man admitted in court Tuesday to causing the deaths of an English couple in a drunken driving wreck in January.
Christopher D. Dockiewicz, 45, pleaded guilty in Virginia Beach Circuit Court to two counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and one count of drunken driving.
He was charged in connection with the deaths of Anthony Eden Tonking, 74, and Jean Mary Tonking, 72.
The couple, who had been married nearly 53 years, were visiting their daughter and grandchildren in Virginia Beach.
The Tonkings were driving back from Munden Point Park in Pungo on the afternoon of Jan. 19 when the wreck occurred.
They were headed north on Princess Anne Road when Dockiewicz, who was driving in the opposite direction, lost control of his car and drove into their lane.
He was drunk and speeding at an estimated 77 to 100 miles per hour, according to Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Bryant's office.
Dockiewicz was driving to pick his son up from school when the wreck took place.
Family and supporters on the prosecution and defense sides declined comment after the hearing.
Dockiewicz's attorney, James Broccoletti, said his client had accepted responsibility for a tragic accident that was out of character for him.
"He's extraordinarily remorseful, as demonstrated by his desire to go into custody today," Broccoletti said.
Dockiewicz faces a minimum of a year on each of the manslaughter charges and a maximum sentence of 41 years.
His sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 1.
Jen McCaffery, (757) 222-5119, jen.mccaffery@pilotonline.com
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