WARREN — Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Cynthia Wescott Rice on Wednesday denied a request for limited driving privileges from a man convicted in the 2016 drunken driving crash that killed a 27-year-old Cortland woman.

Russell Lauer, 52, who was released early from prison in February 2024, sought permission to drive to mental health appointments, medical visits for his ailing father and his workplace.

Lauer’s vehicle veered off Ridge Road in Fowler and struck and killed Brittany Szwedko, who was jogging. Reports state that Lauer did not stop after striking Szwedko.

“A driver’s license is a privilege and prior behavior is the best predictor of future behavior,” Rice said during the hearing, citing concerns for community safety if Lauer were allowed to drive again.

Assistant Prosecutor Michael Burnett noted Lauer’s four prior alcohol-related driving offenses, including two OVIs, before the fatal crash. Szwedko’s mother, Mary Kay Szwedko, and sister opposed the request in court, with a letter from Szwedko’s brother read aloud.

“He should never have been behind the wheel, and my daughter should still be here,” Mary Kay Szwedko said.

Lauer’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In June 2017, Lauer pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, failure to stop after an accident, operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI), and traveling outside marked lanes.