MILWAUKEE - The drunken driver who caused a crash that killed three people and critically injured a third is going to prison. Joshua Scolman was sentenced Friday to 51 and a half years in prison for the crime.

Scolman, who had been drinking at an Applebee's restaurant earlier in the evening, was westbound on W. Capitol Drive last October when he went through a red light at W. Appleton Ave. and struck a car.

Brothers Ju Her, 22, Pelg Her, 17, and their cousin Anthony Herr, 17, were all killed. Tou Her, 23, remains in critical condition.

Police say Scolman's blood alcohol content was three times over the legal limit. They also say he pulled out a gun and shot at a witness and was asking about the damage to his car.

He later cursed at a nurse who was trying to take a blood test. His blood-alcohol level was 0.242, well over the 0.08 at which state law presumes impairment.

In court, Scolman cried as he told the judge he deserves what he gets, "I wish I could take their place so they could continue with their dreams and lives."

As the sentencing took place, nearly about a hundred people from the Hmong community and friends and families of the victims marched outside the courthouse. They were protesting drunk driving and hope this case will send a strong message that drunk driving can kill.

The Her family said they are pleased with the sentence handed down.