PINEVILLE, La. (WNTZ) – A Pineville man has been sentenced to five years at hard labor after being found guilty in a 2023 drag racing crash that claimed the life of another driver, according to the Pineville Police Department.

In November 2023, investigators said Marion Tolbert and another driver were racing at speeds of more than 100 mph on a highway when they struck a vehicle driven by Anthony “Tony” Connella, who was killed in the crash.

Tolbert was convicted at trial of violating Louisiana law RS 32:65, which prohibits drag racing on public roads. Under state law, when such violations result in a death, offenders face up to five years in prison. Tolbert received the maximum sentence Friday.

“This senseless decision cost a life,” Pineville Police said in a statement. “Nothing can turn back the hands of time; however, we hope this step provides some measure of closure to the victim’s family.”

Police credited their traffic crash investigator’s collection of evidence and the Rapides Parish District Attorney’s Office for securing the conviction.