Family Responds After Man Pleads Guilty To Killing 2 Women In DUI Crash

A Green Country man is facing up to life in prison after pleading guilty to driving drunk, running a red light and crashing into a car, killing two elderly women.

Patrick Ferm was charged with manslaughter and DUI after the deadly crash in Broken Arrow in January.

75-year-old Marji Cowles and 80-year-old Gloria Voss were heading home from work together when Ferm slammed into them, killing them. Gloria's family says the two women were best friends and Monday was the first step toward getting justice.

"Gloria was very special; she was smart, she was a people person, she had moments where she was really quiet, but she was tech smart,” said Gloria’s niece, Julia Evans.

Gloria's family says it's been a tough last 10 months after losing Gloria, and they say Thanksgiving just wasn't the same this year because Gloria was such a good cook. But they packed the courtroom Monday to see justice for Gloria and her friend Marji.

"She was just reliable and kind, she had a very unique voice. I wish people could have heard her voice. She was just a sweetheart and a great cook,” said Gloria’s niece, Jennifer Perez.

Broken Arrow Police arrested Ferm in January after police say he ran a red light and crashed into Marji and Gloria's car. The arrest report says paramedics smelled alcohol on Ferm, and Ferm told paramedics he drank some but said he didn't know what it was.

"They were best friends; they were absolutely best friends. And they passed away together in the same car,” said Evans.

Ferm pled guilty without a deal from prosecutors, so it will be up to the judge to determine his sentence.

"It did seem Mr. Ferm was remorseful. He did seem like he did feel really bad about what happened. I don't think he's a bad guy; I just think he made a really bad decision,” said Perez.

Gloria's family says they want a fair sentence.

"I will say I'd hate to see just probation. I think that would be unfair for the family and Gloria,” said Evans.

Ferm is set to be sentenced in January. He's facing four years to life in prison for each count of manslaughter.