A heartbreaking case from Canadian County has reached its conclusion, as a man responsible for a deadly drunk driving crash has been sentenced in court. The emotional hearing brought closure for the victim’s family, even though the pain of their loss remains.
Man Sentenced in Fatal DUI Crash
David Gellenbeck has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to six charges related to a crash that killed Teresa Matthews.
The sentencing took place in a courtroom filled with emotion, as family members shared the impact of the tragedy.
Details of the Deadly Crash
The incident happened on February 7, 2025, in Mustang, near the intersection of SW 89th Street and State Highway 4.
Teresa Matthews was killed instantly in the crash. Three others in the vehicle were injured.
According to investigators, Gellenbeck crashed his truck into the victims’ vehicle while they were stopped at a red light on their way to dinner.
Dangerous Driving Conditions
Prosecutors described a series of reckless decisions that led to the crash. Gellenbeck was reportedly driving close to 100 miles per hour, in foggy conditions, and without headlights.
Authorities also said that hours after the crash, his blood alcohol level was 0.197, which is more than twice the legal limit. In addition, muscle relaxers were found in his system.
After the crash, he fled the scene and was located about three hours later.
Family Speaks Out in Court
Wayman Matthews, Teresa’s husband, spoke about the impact of the loss. He said the sentence brought a sense of justice, though it cannot remove the pain.
He shared how difficult life has been for him and their three daughters, who now have to grow up without their mother. He described the experience as a daily struggle and emotional burden.
Despite the tragedy, he also used the moment to urge others to make responsible choices, especially when it comes to drinking and driving.
Defendant Accepts Responsibility
During the sentencing, Gellenbeck addressed the court and admitted his actions. He said he took full responsibility for the crash and called his decision to drink and drive selfish.
Although the victim’s family said they do not forgive him, they expressed that they would still pray for him and his family.
Sentence and What It Means
Gellenbeck received a total sentence of 40 years in prison. He is expected to serve more than 30 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Here is a quick overview of the case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Accused | David Gellenbeck |
| Victim | Teresa Matthews |
| Date of Crash | February 7, 2025 |
| Location | Mustang, Oklahoma |
| Charges | Six counts (DUI-related) |
| Sentence | 40 years prison |
| Parole Eligibility | After 30+ years |
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of drunk driving. A single decision led to the loss of a life and permanently changed a family’s future. While the court’s decision has brought some level of justice, it cannot undo the damage caused.
The emotional words shared in court serve as a powerful reminder for others to make safer choices and prevent similar tragedies. As the Matthews family begins the difficult journey of healing, their message remains clear — think before you act, because the consequences can last a lifetime.
