Schenectady man sentenced for 2025 fatal crash in Colonie

COLONIE, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Anthony Peterson of Schenectady was sentenced on Wednesday in the conclusion of a 2025 Colonie fatal crash case, the Albany County District Attorney's Office announced. Peterson, 53, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter back in April. As part of his plea, Peterson previously admitted to driving recklessly by weaving in and out of traffic on New Karner Road in Colonie around 7 a.m. on September 16, 2025, causing a head-on collision with another car upon crossing over the street's double yellow line. The second driver, 64-year-old William "Jim" Merrihew of Albany, was taken to Albany Medical Center, where he died from his injuries about two weeks after the crash. Merrihew's daughter, Christie Archer, issued a court statement prior to the sentencing, saying "Every Sunday, I eagerly anticipated his visits to my house for dinner. Now, I’m confronted with the crushing reality of an empty chair and an unbearable silence." "Grandpa Jim would always be there for him. Jim's devotion to my son was immeasurable, and it deeply pains our family to have to explain to a three-year-old that he will not see him again," Merrihew's son-in-law Thomas Archer stated. "Jim will never have the opportunity to attend his high school graduation, discover his career path, or help him purchase his first car, which he undoubtedly would have." Peterson was sentenced on Wednesday before Judge William Little to serve six to 12 years in state prison. Assistant District Attorneys Kayla Meagher and Collin D'Arcy headed the case's prosecution.