LEWISTOWN — The man who was found guilty of third-degree murder and other charges stemming from the 2019 death of Mifflin County Junior High School teacher Harry Aultz will face 20 to 40 years in prison.

Stuart W. Bryant, of Coatesville, was sentenced Friday afternoon in the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas by President Judge David Barron.

Following a three-day trial in April, a jury found 61-year-old Bryant guilty of third-degree murder, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, DUI: general impairment, DUI highest rate of alcohol, four counts of recklessly endangering another person, two counts of causing an accident involving damage and related summary offenses.

The charges stem from a devastating automobile crash on Jan. 28, 2019 in Granville Township, in which Bryant was reported to have been driving as fast as 114 mph at times, while under the influence of alcohol.

During an emotional hearing prior to the sentence being handed down, Aultz’s family expressed heartache at the loss of Harry, a well-regarded social studies teacher and football coach while Bryant expressed deep remorse and pleaded for mercy for his actions.

Lori Aultz, Harry’s widow, spoke on behalf of the loss of her husband.

“Our lives are very similar,” she said regarding testimony from Bryant’s wife, Jackie. “My husband was well loved in this community.”

Lori continued, outlining her husband’s background as a coach, a teacher who “never had one student who didn’t like him,” and his involvement in scouting and the church.

“We were a close-knit family,” she said. “We were planning a 50th surprise party. … Harry was cheated out of the rest of his life,” she said.

“Judge Barron, whatever sentencing you give, I will accept. I have handed it over to God. I just don’t want this to ever happen again.”

Jennifer Eichorn, the mother of Morgan and Madelyn Eichorn, who were involved in a separate hit-and-run accident with Bryant that same night stated, “there isn’t anyone in this room who doesn’t know what happens when you pick up a bottle and keys and it is by the grace of God that by daughters are still alive.”

District Attorney Christopher Torquato spoke on behalf of the Aultz family

“There were many opportunities for (Bryant) to cease his behavior and that didn’t happen — it escalated,” he said. “None of this needed to happen.”

Bryant’s Harrisburg-based attorney Timothy Barrouk spoke on behalf of his client, describing Bryant’s “exemplary” character prior to the 2019 incident

“The man was never in trouble with the law — he was a business owner, ran charities,” he said.

Barrouk said Bryant was on the verge of losing his business, which he said sent him into a “talespin.”

“We know he made some horrible decisions on that day. His actions weren’t consistent with the man I’ve come to know,” he said.

Bryant apologized to the Aultz family and the Lewistown community for his actions in 2019.

“The pain caused by this accident was horrific,” he said. “This is not representative of me or the life I’ve led. … I am dedicated to helping people, not hurting them.

“I am sincerely sorry to the Aultz family, the Eichorns and the community of Lewistown. I can’t believe I exercised such poor judgment.”

About a half-dozen individuals spoke on behalf of Bryant’s character, describing him as someone who cares about community and about people and having a “heart of gold.”

Family and friends said that Bryant was a martial arts instructor who also ran a charity for autistic youth.

After hearing testimony from both families, Barron expressed empathy for both sides.

“This is a very sad day because we’re all losers,” he said. “This isn’t a case of speeding and drinking … this is a case of malice.”

Barron continued, explaining that Bryant’s recklessness went on for several miles and that he could have stopped at any point.

“You could have stopped … you had to work for this. This was not an accident. This was murder,” the judge said.

After hearing statements regarding Bryant’s character, Barron said, “you’ve led a very interesting life. One I’d like to have mirrored myself.”

After the hearing, Bryant was returned to Mifflin County Correctional Facility to await transfer to a state prison.