In Show of Remorse, Senser Tattooed Roseville Chef's Name on Wrist

Amy Senser’s remorse appears to be genuine: she tattooed on her wrist the name of she killed in an August hit and run. But in statements to the press after Senser’s conviction on two counts of criminal vehicular homicide, the victim’s family and friends said that they want her to accept her sentence and admit her crime.

Senser, wife of former Minnesota Vikings player Joe Senser, was convicted . Senser hit and killed Phanthavong, a Thai chef, while he was refilling his gas tank on the Riverside Avenue exit of Interstate 94.

Senser has claimed that she did not know she hit Phanthavong, but a jury disagreed and a judge sentenced her Monday morning to three years and five months in prison.

Senser’s attorney, Eric Nelson, said she plans to appeal the judge’s sentence, a decision that has angered Phanthavong’s family.

“We've gotten like written apologies and stuff like that, but we don't want to hear it because every time she appeals it makes me feel like she's denying everything still,” said Kono Phanthavong, the victim’s brother according to Fox 9.

During sentencing, Judge Daniel Mabley said he didn’t believe Senser’s story that she thought she hit an orange construction barrel or a pothole.

‘Amy Senser’s Remorse Was Real Today’

“I don't entirely trust her account,” he said, according to the Star Tribune. “I trust her remorse though.”

In a tearful speech before her sentence was handed down, Senser spoke to Phanthavong’s family, saying she took “full responsibility for his death.”

“I wish I could go back to that night and change things,” she said, according to the Star Tribune. “I don't know why, I don't know why ... our fates have come together but if you let me I will do whatever I can to honor his name.”

Nelson, Senser’s attorney, said she had Phanthavong’s name tattooed on her wrist because she feels responsible for his soul.

Phanthavong’s brother said he believed Senser’s remorse was real.

“It was very emotional for both sides, and it was hard to see her go through that pain too,” Kono Phanthavong said, according to Kare 11. “My brother was a pretty peaceful guy, for sure he would have forgiven her.”

After Senser’s sentencing, according to the Star Tribune, she turned toward Phanthavong’s mother, who returned her embrace with wet eyes.