Rice family appreciates verdict reaction

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - One week after the stunning verdict that cleared Dr. James Corasanti of the most serious charges in his daughter's death, the father of Alexandria Rice wants to clarify an earlier plea for the public to join his quest for justice.

Richard Rice, Alix's father, is pursuing a civil suit against the doctor. On one hand, Richard is appreciative of the community's reaction to the verdict.

"I'm grateful that people didn't just say, "Oh well, it's over." Too bad," he said.

He can't even go to work, without people approaching him. Consoling him. And sharing opinions that Dr. Corasanti should have been convicted of killing Rice's daughter while driving drunk.

"It has resonated with this community," Richard noted. "And it has made a big difference in the way people view their own families. It could have been anyone's child."

But to best honor Alix's memory, Richard wants the community to put to rest feelings of hatred and direct their energy in a more positive direction.

He said, "There's nothing constructive that comes out of saying vulgar or violent things to each other on social media or in public places. I don't want to see anyone in trouble. Because my daughter Alexandria was a peaceful person."

Dr. Corasanti still faces up to one year in jail when he is sentenced August 16th for common law DWI. The family had posted on Facebook asking people to write letters to influence the judge's decision. But the judge only considers letters from those who knew Alix personally.

Now they instead want the public to change attitudes on drunk driving. They want Corasanti to get the maximum sentence, but even that wouldn't truly give them what they want.

Richard said, "A year or a hundred years isn't going to bring her back. But we need to send a message to people that it matters what you're doing when you're behind the wheel of any motor vehicle."