NILES —  A 54-year-old Buchanan man that killed four people while driving drunk on Aug. 2, 2019, was sentenced to 47 to 90 years in prison with credit for no days served Monday at the Niles Courthouse, 1205 Front St.

Berrien County Trial Court Judge Sterling Schrock passed sentence to Dub Alan Collins, who pleaded no contest to four counts of second-degree murder after running a stop sign at a high rate of speed on the corner of Miller Road and Main Street in Buchanan.

Those killed were married couple Robert Klint, 66, and Melissa Klint, 60, of Sawyer, their daughter Landyn Klint, 22, of Sawyer, and Kent Williamson, Landyn’s uncle, of Charlottesville, Virginia. They were heading to a family gathering when Collins hit them.

“The love that disappeared from the earth in that moment is incalculable,” said Tessa Simon, sister of Landyn and daughter of Robert and Melissa.

Simon was one of five victims that spoke prior to sentencing. She said that her slain family members were the type of people who sought to help those like Collins, who had a history of drunk driving, suspended licenses and distributing illicit substances.

“They would’ve given their time and energy and love to make things better,” Simon said to Collins, both crying. “That’s who they were.”

Simon and friends of Williamson all said that Collins will face true judgment not before Schrock, but God.

Meanwhile, the families of those Collins killed will face a life’s sentence without their loved ones, said Pastor Christ Martin, a friend of Williamson.

Heather, Collins’ daughter, said a life sentence was what her father needed. Heather was Collins’ passenger when he struck the Klint-Williamson family.

“I just hope he gets what he deserves,” she said.

Prosecutor Gerald Vigansky had the same sentiment as Heather.

“He needs to go to prison,” Vigansky said. “He needs to stay there for the rest of his life.”

Schrock did not give Collins a life sentence, but he said, “the numbers speak for themselves.”

The earliest Collins can be released is when he is 101.

On top of prison time, Collins must pay $46,500 in restitution to the Klint family estate. Restitution has not yet been determined for the Williamson family.

Drinking leads to injury, property damage

Also Monday, another man whose drunk driving led to harmful consequences was sentenced.

José Guadalupe Araguz Jr., 27, of N. Seventh Street in Niles, was sentenced to 24 to 60 months in prison $838 in fines for failing to stop and causing injury.

On Sept. 14, Araguz drank with other people at his home, then left in his vehicle. As he backed out of his driveway, he ran over his sister, then fled the scene. His sister has since undergone multiple surgeries.

Later that night, he approached a home, fought with its residents, then attempted to flee the police officers that arrived. He was arrested for assault and battery and resisting arrest. Later, while serving jailtime, he admitted to causing his sister’s injury

“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Araguz said. “I just hope my sister’s OK. Through all this, I’m already learning lessons.”

Schrock said the lesson Araguz should learn would be to never drink alcohol.

Seth Torrese Lipscomb, 48, of N. Fifth Street in Niles, was also sentenced for actions he took while under the influence of alcohol.

He was sentenced to 120 days in jail, with 30 days already served, and $198 in fines for larceny. He was also sentenced to 19 days in jail, with 19 days already served, for contempt of court.

On Nov. 18, Lipscomb was granted access into the Niles Housing Commission apartment buildings at 251 Cass St. in Niles.

Once there, he tipped over a washing machine, attempting to steal quarters used to operate it.