Driver sentenced to 7 years for Trempealeau County crash that killed 2, injured 5
"In that one second, five people's lives were changed forever and two people lost their lives,"
On
Two of his passengers were ejected and killed.
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Escobar, 31, to seven years in prison and 10 years on extended supervision. He receives credit for 453 days served.
An unintended tragedy, the crash reinforces the potential repercussions of drinking to excess in a culture where drinking to excess is acceptable, said
"The consequences are devastating, far reaching and permanent," he said.
Escobar, of
Two passengers in Escobar's car --
The driver of the Ford Edge, Joregette Pronschinske of
The driver of the Accord,
Escobar had a 0.05 percent blood-alcohol level about four hours after the crash, and authorities calculated he was driving with a 0.12 percent alcohol level at the time of the crash, according to the complaint. He has never been issued a driver's license.
Escobar pleaded no contest to two counts of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Eight other crimes, including knowingly operating a motor vehicle without a valid license causing death, were dismissed but considered at sentencing.
Flores' mother wrote in a letter to the court that she was disgusted by his courage to drive drunk. She struggles to cope with the loss of her only daughter who planned to pursue a career in law enforcement to keep others safe.
"Unlike you, she would have been a great asset to the community," she wrote. "You may be behind bars, but you will live. My daughter is dead."
Gonzales was a strong and caring woman whose death left her mother angry, her mother wrote in a statement to the court.
"Part of me is also dead now," she wrote. "The death of my daughter does not make sense."
The crash left Davidson with torn ligaments in his knee that required a six-hour reconstructive surgery and grueling physical therapy. Still healing, Davidson asked Escobar serve more than six years in prison and apologize.
"All of this was preventable," he said.
Joregette Pronschinske told the judge she spent weeks in the hospital and months in a wheelchair for permanent injuries that have sidelined her from hobbies and chores.
"I live with the fact that I will be handicapped for the rest of my life," she said. "But because of my faith,
Ochoa will suffer lifelong brain damage and is unable to live without a caretaker.
None of Escobar's family members or supporters who attended Wednesday's hearing spoke on his behalf.
The case is a tragic example of what can happen when a drunk driver takes the wheel, McMahon said. Attorneys jointly recommended Escobar serve six years in prison, based in large part on his lack of criminal record.
"He never intended for this to happen," defense attorney
Escobar cared for his ailing mother after the death of his father, while balancing academics and athletics, Zachar said. He left a low-paying welding job in
Escobar entered the country on a work visa, which was renewed until "the political climate changed," Zachar said. He worked in a tree nursery and in factories, paying taxes, insurance and
"He is the exact opposite of what people like
Escobar suffered a traumatic brain injury and broken ribs during the crash and lingering migraines in the aftermath.
"Ironically, he's the fortunate one," Zachar said.
Fatigue also could have contributed to the crash, and no one in Escobar's car was wearing a seat belt, Zachar said. He called Escobar a model inmate and a low risk to public safety who will be deported after his release from prison.
"I know there are no words that can repair the harm or take away the awful act I committed," said Escobar, who asked for forgiveness. "And I know is that this was the worst mistake of my life."
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