Fredia Veitch died on Dec 28, 2007 when she was thrown from her vehicle after colliding with Leyritz' Ford Expedition. Veitch wasn't wearing a seatbelt; both drivers tested well over the legal blood/alcohol limit.
The dishonest local media have all reported that Veitch was "on her way home" from her job at The Original Steakhouse; except that the accident occurred around 4am and the restaurant closes at 11p. As it turns out, she was partying at a popular after hours industry spot, Fat Cat's, and was tested to have a blood alcohol content of .18. Leyritz' BA was .14.
In a town where "industry" people, that is people who work in the restaurant industry, stick together, getting witnesses to stick up for Leyritz wouldn't be easy.
Leyritz Acquitted of Manslaughter
Former Yankee Jimmy Leyritz was acquitted by a Florida Jury of manslaughter; he was instead convicted of driving while under the influence, which carries a maximum sentence of 6 months. The verdict was delivered after only 1 day of deliberation.
All 6 jurors agreed after less than 1 hour to acquit Leyritz of the DUI manslaughter charge. One juror held out also wanting to acquit him of the drunken driving charge, but later relented when it was clear the alternative might have meant a new trial for Leyritz.
Unreliable witnesses failed to convince a jury that Leyritz ran a red light or that he was speeding or driving erratically. There was also testimony that Veitch was driving without her headlights on.
Leyritz is best known for his home run for the New York Yankees in the 1996 World Series off Mark Wohlers. The critical 3 run homer tied a pivotal game and enabled the Yankees to win the game as well as the Series.
Sentenced to 1 Year Probation
Former Yankee Jimmy Leyritz was sentenced to 1 year probation and a $500 fine.
Circuit Judge Marc Gold then imposed the sentence: one year's probation, 18 days time served, a $500 fine, and 50 hours of community service. He added a stern warning: "If you violate probation, I will give you the maximum jail sentence."
Before the sentence was issues, Leyritz issued a tearful statement ""I changed lives, not just my life, not just the Veitches' lives, but the lives of five children," the former Yankee ball player sobbed. "If I could change that, I would."
Leyritz said he was a changed man after the accident and begged Gold for a second chance. "I can guarantee you I won't disappoint anyone," he said.
Gold obliged. He could have sentenced Leyritz to a maximum of six months in jail. Had Leyritz been convicted on the charge he went to trial on, DUI manslaughter, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison.