I Did It!: Drunk Driver Who Confessed to Killing A Man on Video Faces 8 Years in Prison

Alyson Robinson

13 years ago

Matthew Cordle, 22

Ohio resident, Matthew Cordle, recorded a dramatic confession and plea about driving drunk. The 22-year-old met in an accident while going the wrong way on the highway, which killed 61-year-old Vincent Canzani.

In the 3.5 minute video, Cordle explains what happened the night of the accident and pleaded with others to think first before they decide to drive after drinking.

Vincent Canzani, 61

“My name is Matthew Cordle, and on June 22, 2013, I hit and killed Vincent Canzani. This video will act as my confession,” he said. “By making this video, I know exactly what it means,” he says in the clip. “I’m giving prosecutors everything they need to put me away for a very long time. But I’m willing to take that sentence, for just one reason, so I can pass this message on to you. I beg you… I’m begging you, please don’t drink and drive.”

In August Cordle reached out to Ohio-based website, becauseIsaidIwould.com to produce the confession which is now one of the latest videos featured on the site. BecauseISaidIwould.com is a site that seeks to make a better world by encouraging “positive change and acts of kindness” through keeping promises.

Alex Sheen, who posted the video to becauseIsaidIwould.com wrote,“Against all legal advice, Matthew decided to make this video and release it prior to any charges being filed against him.” Cordle contacted him through Facebook. “His goal is to raise awareness about the terrible consequences that drunk driving can have on innocent people,” he said.

Sheen said he learned a great lesson from Cordle’s experience and he also urged people to make a pledge to not drink and drive ever, whether or not they did it before.

“I deeply respect Matt for his promise to take full responsibility for what he has done. Since first receiving a message from him, I have tried to put myself in his shoes. What if already felt as guilty as Matt does? What if I was truly reformed and swore to never make that mistake again? Would I still have the courage to accept what I deserve? I may never know the answer to that question, but I do know one thing… I will never drink and drive.”

Whether or not Cordle would have received a lesser sentence, he chose to accept the maximum-eight year sentence, which is the inevitable, especially after the release of the video. Franklin County prosecutor Ron O’Brien, who saw the video, will seek a grand jury to indict Cordle on a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide with an alcohol specification.

See Cordle’s video below.

Could you or would you confess to a crime?