Man denied early probation termination in '99 DUI case

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A judge has denied a request to terminate early probation to a man convicted in a DUI case.

Emotions were intense inside a Broward County Courtroom Thursday morning, as Andrew Mackler and the family of John Soto came face-to-face once again.

Mackler killed John Soto in a drunk driving accident in 1999, and after serving more than two years in prison and half of a 10-year probation, Mackler wants his probation terminated. "Everyday I look at this. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Mr. Soto," Mackler said to the judge.

Soto's family was in pain as they looked across the room into the eyes of Mackler. "I didn't ask for this court day to be today," said Mackler. "I would have preferred it to be another month, year, whatever. I didn't want it to be this week. When they told me I was in shock."

"All you had to do was be a man and tell them 'no.' You didn't have to come here," said Soto's family member, as he was escorted outside by an officer.

Soto's cousin, Victoria Wells, told Mackler that he is putting the family through a nightmare all over again. "You have not given my family peace. You keep reopening that wound," said Wells.

Mackler told the family that this was not his idea but was following the advice of his probation officer. Mackler's father, who was also in court, appealed to Soto's family. "I just want you to know that we really feel your feelings," he said.

The judge came to a conclusion and decided to keep Mackler on probation. "You're still going to be on probation. I'm going to deny the motion for early termination," said the judge.

Soto's family said it was painful and unnecessary to be back in court. "It was impossible. I had to leave. That is ridiculous, like I said, it is very disrespectful and very hurtful to my family because they have to go through this again, all these years later," said a family member.

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