Connecticut Man Sentenced to Prison for Hitting and Killing Tow Operator in 2020

A Weston, Conn., man was sentenced Thursday, June 2, to four and a half years in prison for driving while intoxicated and hitting and killing a tow operator in 2020.

Dean Robert, 48, was sentenced to to 10 years in prison, suspended after four and a half years, plus five years of probation and a $10,000 fine to the family of the victim, tow operator Corey John Iodice, 58.

Iodice was assisting a driver whose vehicle had broken down on the Merritt Parkway in Trumbull, Conn., in April 2020. His tow truck and two other vehicles were on the right shoulder of Route 15 when Robert lost control of his 2016 BMW and hit the two vehicles, the flatbed tow truck, and Iodice, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Robert pleaded guilty to manslaughter, operating under the influence, reckless driving and failure to slow down and move over for an emergency responder. His vehicle was reportedly traveling 86-93 mph at the time of the crash.

The hearing in Bridgeport Superior Court included statements from family and friends of Iodice and Robert before the judge announced the sentencing.