An Easton man involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash in Fairfield will spend seven years in prison.

Declan Kot was sentenced Wednesday in the crash that killed 32-year-old Marileady Morel Araujo as she was walking her dog on the Fourth of July last year.

Following the crash, Kot was accused of getting his pickup truck fixed to try to hide the crime. Also, in an interview with detectives, he admitted to drinking before the crash.

Under a plea deal, Kot was sentenced to 20 years, suspended after serving seven years. Five years of probation will follow that, along with 500 hours of community service.

During the first three years of his probation, Kot will be required to install an ignition interlock device in his car. He'll also undergo substance abuse evaluations.

He pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in September, evading responsibility resulting in death and tampering with evidence.

Before handing down the sentence, the judge noted Kot's former roles as volunteer firefighter and EMT - saying he was supposed to conserve life, but did the opposite following the crash.

While addressing the court in tears, Kot said he wanted to express his deepest apologies for the tragedy for which he was responsible.

Morel Araujo's parents, fiance and several other loved ones packed the courtroom. Also in the courtroom were the Fairfield police officers who investigated the crash.

They say Wednesday's sentencing brings closure to not only Morel Araujo's family, but to them too.