A former U.S. Air Force airman who was driving more than 120 mph when he crashed near a New Mexico base and killed his passenger has been sentenced to five years' probation after a judge rejected a prosecutor's request for prison time.
Tylan Bolden of Franklin, Louisiana, was sentenced Wednesday by 9th Judicial District Judge Drew Tatum.
The 21-year-old was driving a car in Clovis last year when he crashed. A fellow airman, 22-year-old Andrew Padilla of Santa Maria, California, was ejected and killed.
Padilla and Bolden were assigned to Cannon Air Force Base.
Tatum cited Bolden's lack of alcohol use, clean criminal record and distinguished military record as factors he considered.
District Attorney Andrea Reeb said she wanted jail time because Bolden was reckless and cost someone his life.
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