Rankin was convicted two years ago in Boone's death, according to records from Superior Court of Delaware. She was a passenger in his car when it slammed into the back of a truck on Interstate 95 in November 2004. In August 2006, he was sentenced to three years with two years suspended.
After completing a year in jail, he was placed on two years' supervised probation with "zero tolerance for any driving charges," according to court records. He was also ordered to seek alcohol rehabilitation treatment and to pay $5,600 in restitution to the Boone family.
Many of Wilson's family and friends have expressed outrage by the notion that his bright promise was destroyed by a drunken driver and repeat offender.
"Rankin killed another person in his previous DUI, and got off basically with a slap on the hand," said Gerry Colman, a friend of the Wilson family.
Family and friends celebrated Wilson's life in a service that drew hundreds to the high school yesterday. Former members of the chorus and band returned to pay tribute to the young man whose expertise on trumpet brought him numerous accolades. His schoolmates have already raised nearly $1,000 for a scholarship in his name.
He was captain of the soccer and lacrosse teams, and won medals on the swim team
"He was a very special young man, and everyone in our community is greatly mourning this tragic and needless loss," said Gary Monath, father of Wilson's classmate and teammate Drew Monath.
M. Patricia Walling, principal of the high school, said the community will continue to help the Wilson family in the months ahead.
"This is a strong, resilient community that will support this family and each other," she said.
mary.gail.hare@baltsun.com
