The motorist who killed Bernard “Bernie” Piotrowski, a well known member of the GLBT community, was sentenced Friday, April 4, to seven years in state prison.

The sentencing of Keith Terez Johnson, 28, of San Diego, followed a tribute by the friends and family of Piotrowski, 50, who told San Diego Superior Court Judge Charles Rogers about their memories of the man who volunteered with Mama’s Kitchen and was a member of Front Runners & Walkers, a running/walking club for GLBT people.

Piotrowski was walking on a University Avenue sidewalk on March 19, 2007, when the truck driven by Johnson struck him and severed his arm. Piotrowski died almost immediately. The truck lodged into the Belief in God Ministries church on 69th Street, and the crash severed gas lines to the El Cerrito Veterinary Hospital next door.

Johnson claimed he was being chased by gang members, a claim the judge said may be true. Rogers said there were reports of others seeing a man with a gun. Alcohol or drug use were not a factor in the crash.

Deputy District Attorney Melissa Diaz sought an 11-year prison term, while defense attorney Dalen Duong asked for the seven years Johnson received. Johnson pleaded guilty Jan. 18 to gross vehicular manslaughter and hit and run.

Diaz said Johnson had plenty of time to consider other choices other than to “drive down University Avenue at 100 mph” after feeling he was being followed by gang members.

“He could have called police. He could have got help. He could have done a lot of things,” Diaz said.

Diaz read a letter from Piotrowski’s mother, who was overcome with emotion, and could not speak herself. His father, also named Bernard Piotrowski, said, “I lost a boy, and its a big, big loss for us. He was a very good kid, a very smart kid.”

The victim’s sister, Diane Lehn, said, “Children should not die before their parents. It crushes me to see what this has done to my parents. It doesn’t matter that Bernie was 50. He was still their first born child.”

“He was always willing to help. He loved animals. Always had a dog. He loved life,” said his brother, Gary Piotrowski.

Alberto Cortes, the executive director of Mama’s Kitchen, described Piotrowski as “a man of good spirit, a good soul, a very generous man.” Piotrowski attended the Universal Spirit Center in Mission Hills and his memorial service was packed.

Johnson, who was wearing jail clothes and was in handcuffs, turned around and spoke to the 20 people who attended the sentencing. “I am terribly sorry for what happened to your loved one. I was scared. People do make rush decisions when they are scared,” said Johnson.

“There’s never been a night I haven’t thought about or prayed about your son. I am sorry. You guys sound like a great family. I don’t want to go to jail for 11 years, but if that’s what I get, I’ll try to become a better person. I hope you can forgive me.”

Johnson’s attorney said his client did call 9-1-1 a half hour after the accident to report what happened and he cooperated with police. “He knows whatever he says won’t bring Mr. Piotrowski back. Mr. Johnson is truly sorry for what happened. He took full responsibility for it,” said Duong.

The judge said Johnson was raised in foster homes and turned 17 years old while on the streets. Rogers said that history would normally follow a long rap sheet, but Johnson has no serious criminal record.

“This young man in my view may have been a witness to criminal homicide. His life and safety were in danger,” said Rogers. “I think somebody was (chasing him).”

Rogers denied probation, but said he would not impose the maximum sentence after balancing considerations on both sides. Johnson was fined $200 and given credit for serving 390 days in jail since the crash. A restitution hearing was set for June 13 to see if Johnson should pay for any funeral costs.

Letitia Estes, who said she worked with Piotrowski at Mama’s Kitchen for 13 years, said afterwards she thought the sentence was fair.

“Bernie would think it was fair. He was the most loving, forgiving man I’ve ever known,” she added.