Man gets 6 to 12 for tot's death in crash Jonathan C. Cowan, 20, of Parkesburg, apologized. He had taken drugs before the 2004 accident.

Two-year-old Isaak Richardson earned the nickname "Finster" from his family for a winning smile and mischievous personality reminiscent of the Bugs Bunny cartoon character.

Yesterday, the toddler was fondly remembered at the sentencing hearing for Jonathan C. Cowan, who was ordered to spend 6 to 12 years in prison for causing the Jan. 13, 2004, accident that claimed the boy's life.

After listening to emotional testimony from both sides, Chester County Court Judge Anthony A. Sarcione sentenced Cowan, 20, of Parkesburg, for homicide by vehicle and aggravated assault while driving under the influence of narcotics.

Cowan, who was convicted by a jury on March 18, took oxycodone and methadone before driving to Delaware County Community College for a class, according to court records. On the Route 30 bypass in Valley Township, he veered into the adjacent lane, striking the Richardsons' Jeep.

Isaak Richardson, who had been in a car seat, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at Brandywine Hospital. His mother, Anderia, and his brother, Mark Jr., were seriously injured; his sister, Briana, and his father, Mark Sr., were treated and released.

Addressing the court, Anderia Richardson described the repercussions of the crash. She said that both she and her son have permanent disabilities, including brain damage, but that the physical impairments are less painful than the loss of her youngest child.

"There are so many people that have such an important part of their life gone," she said, urging Cowan to change his life. "Yes, I can forgive you, and I will forgive you, but I am still hurting."

Cowan responded that he had made changes.

"I've been sober for 6 to 7 months," Cowan said, apologizing to the Richardsons.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Ost-Prisco, who had asked for a term of 10 to 20 years, said the fact that Cowan did not stop abusing drugs immediately after the accident did not bode well for his rehabilitation.

Defense attorney Joseph P. Green Jr. countered that Cowan was suicidal after the accident, received prescriptions that made him worse, and tried to self-medicate to lessen the impact of the tragedy.

"He was so overcome with remorse he would rather have killed himself," said Green.

The judge said he hoped Cowan would reverse his course and become "a responsible citizen."

Sarcione, who declined a request to continue Cowan's bail pending his appeal, said he also hoped Cowan could share his story with other young people when he is released from jail.

"Let them hear firsthand how your life was dramatically altered as a result of your conduct," the judge said.

Contact staff writer Kathleen Brady Shea at 610-701-7625 or kbrady@phillynews.com.