Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon announced today that a 53-year-old Schenectady man is being sent to state prison for recklessly crossing into oncoming traffic and causing the death of a 64-year-old Albany man.

Anthony Peterson was sentenced by the Honorable William Little Wednesday to serve an indeterminate state prison sentence of six to 12 years after pleading guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree.

On Sept. 16, 2025, at 7:03 a.m. Colonie Police responded to New Karner Road for a two-car crash. Peterson crossed the double yellow line with his vehicle and struck the vehicle William “Jim” Merrihew was operating head-on.

Both men were transported to the hospital, and Merrihew died from his injuries two weeks later at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Before sentencing, Merrihew’s daughter, Christie Archer, spoke to the court and detailed the sadness that has impacted the family in the aftermath of his death.

“Every Sunday, I eagerly anticipated his visits to my house for dinner,” she said. “Now, I’m confronted with the crushing reality of an empty chair and an unbearable silence.”

Thomas Archer, Merrihew’s son-in-law, said his child constantly asks about his grandfather.

“Grandpa Jim would always be there for him,” he said. “Jim’s devotion to my son was immeasurable … and it deeply pains our family to have to explain to a 3-year-old that he will not see him again. 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.” 

Assistant District Attorneys Kayla Meagher, of the Street Crimes Unit, and Collin D’Arcy, Bureau Chief of the Vehicular Crimes Unit, prosecuted the case.

Before sentencing, Meagher told the court that while Peterson admitted to causing the crash by recklessly weaving in and out of traffic and crossing into the opposite lane, “no one is above the law … no one’s time is more valuable than other lawful drivers.”