Fatal DWI crash suspect has prior drunk driving record

Earlier this week we told you about a man charged with hitting two men while driving drunk killing one of them. It turns out that driver is no stranger to driving while intoxicated.

Thomas Paradise apparently failed to learn his lesson the first time he got behind the wheel drunk. Paradise has five prior drunk driving convictions from various states on his record.

Investigators say Saturday Paradise was driving his truck with a revoked license when he hit and killed Miguel Toribio. Now the 31-year-old faces charges of second-degree murder, driving while impaired, reckless driving and driving with a revoked license.

“We’d like to think here in the court system that by punishing people we change their behavior in the future,” said New Hanover County Assistant District Attorney Jon David, who’s office is not handling Paradise’s case. “But our reality is somewhat different than that.”

Paradise is still in the Columbus County jail under more than $1 million bond. His next court date is May 5 for the DWI, reckless driving, and driving with a revoked license charges.