ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- With tearful eyes the parents and grandparents of 18-year-old Shae Burchfield watched as 53-year-old Frederick Andrews, the man charged with her death, stood before a judge with a new plea.
"My client has authorized me to withdrawal the recently entered plea of not guilty and enter a plea of no contest," said Andrews' attorney.
And with that, the Burchfield family took a sigh of relief.
"We both feel relieved. I think that this is over and we can move on with our lives and maybe Mr. Andrews' family can move on with his life too," said Shae's grandfather, Carl Burchfield.
On July 8, 2010, Shae was hit by a truck while riding a motorcycle.
It took almost an entire year to arrest the driver.
Frederick Andrews was arrested July 1, 2011. The State Attorney's Office says Xanax, methadone and cocaine were all found in his system.
Today, he was sentenced with DUI manslaughter.
"I've forgiven this man for his actions. I think everything that happened today is pretty good. We're happy with it," says Joseph Burchfield, Shae's father.
And able to finally close this chapter, so they can keep focused on the memories and love they have for Shae. "She will not be forgotten forever," says Carl Burchfield.
Andrews received 5 years in prison and 10 years of probation for DUI manslaughter.
