Judge sentences Cobb to probation sentence for 2011 boating accident

CITRONELLE, Ala. (WALA) - A man charged with manslaughter in the death of a Semmes woman during Memorial Day weekend 2011 won't have to serve any prison time.

Richard Cobb, Jr. was sentenced in court Monday, May 14 to three years probation for the BUI and manslaughter charges that stemmed from the deadly boating accident that killed Gentry Garrett.

Before Cobb was sentenced, the judge heard the victim's two daughters read letters they wrote about their mother.

"I pray to her and she hears me. I miss her so much, I miss her smile, I miss her hugs, and I miss her kisses. I love you mommy."

"It does not matter to me what Richard Cobb gets, because it's not going to change the fact that my mom is dead, and she's not coming back."

Megan Garrett, 13, and her sister Morlon, 11, shared their letters on Monday.

The girls lost their mother, Garrett, in the boating accident.

"Yesterday was Mother's Day, and everybody was cooking for their mothers, and I didn't have anybody to cook for or do anything with," said Megan, who was in the boat the day of the accident.

It's been a difficult year for the family. Less than a week after the funeral, Megan read the speech her mother was suppose to give at her college graduation.

Cobb, who is a family member, was driving the boat. Cobb pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and was sentenced to three years of probation.

"He entered a guilty plea to a charge of homicide by vessel, and he did that without any type of agreement from the state of Alabama," Assistant District Attorney Jill Phillips said.

Morlon said she doesn't blame Cobb for what happened.

"I'm just glad he took responsibility for his actions," she said.

Regina Hilton, Gentry Garrett's mother, said her daughter would not have objected to the sentence.

"I know my daughter wouldn't have wanted him in jail, you know, because they was just out to have a good time that day, and accidents do happen," Hilton said.

Hilton said the sentencing brings some closure for the family, but it doesn't take away the pain.

"It hasn't been a day went by that I haven't cried for my daughter," she said.