I know that alcoholics can black out and still stay conscious for hours... seemingly-functional. I also know there are people who found reasons to live sober from things they did when they blacked out. Nobody in here that drinks can point a finger because alcoholism is a progressive disease. Not an "if", but a "when". Nobody is immune to it.

The only positive thing that can come from this is if he takes what punishment that comes, and never drinks again. Really. There are no excuses for the choices that were made. If he doesn't accept responsibility and do the right thing, there's nothing preventing him from being a bright flame in hell.