SALEM – Christopher J. Maxson, the 20-year-old Marblehead man who admitted driving drunk when his SUV crashed, killing his 19-year-old girlfriend, Julia Gauthier, was sentenced 3-4 years in state prison Friday afternoon in Salem Superior Court.Maxson, of 140 Elm St., #2, Marblehead, changed his plea of not guilty to guilty Friday morning to a charge of motor vehicle homicide while operating a motor vehicle intoxicated in the March 21 crash that killed Gauthier of Salem.The two were returning from a party in Lynn on Essex Street.In handing down the punishment, Judge David A. Lowy said he recognized that the family of the victim wanted to impose more and the defense is asking for less.?I recognize the sentence does not reflect the pain and horror the family has had to endure. The incident is the result of driving, alcohol and youth. I respect and agree that the defendant (Maxson) needs rehabilitation but such a sentence is not a just punishment. There is no fixing what he has done.”For the complete story, purchase Saturday’s Item or check back here at www.itemlive.com.