Judge: Court documents on dead drunk driver’s vehicular manslaughter case will not be sealed

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – The verdict has been overturned but the court documents on the case of a drunk driver who killed a North Syracuse man will not be sealed.

Michael Iannetoni had been convicted of vehicular manslaughter in the drunk driving accident that took the life of Vincent Russo.

Iannettoni had a long history of drunk driving offenses before the fatal crash on Route 31 in front of a Delta Sonic location.

His conviction was thrown out last week, however.

Iannettoni filed an appeal, but later died. Without an opportunity to hear the case, the state's appellate court ordered a judge to overturn the conviction.

On Monday, a judge determined that the case files would not be sealed.

The judge said the purpose of sealing the case is to protect the reputation of the person. He determined that because Iannettoni is dead, there is no reputation to protect and the court documents could give state lawmakers a file to look at if they consider stronger sentences for repeat drunk drivers.