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'A slap in the face': Drunk driver gets 15 years in prison for killing two

Loved ones of two women killed by a drunk driver are calling for harsher penalties for convicted criminals, and additional technology to prevent wrong-way drivers. Ricardo Rodriguez, convicted of killing two women killed by a drunk driver, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday. The victims' families are calling for harsher penalties for convicted criminals, and additional technology to prevent wrong-way drivers. Signs with red blinking LED lights are being placed across the city, and TxDOT officials say wrong-ways driver "hot spots" are still being identified. The families of the victims have expressed their disappointment at the decision, while Taylor has placed pictures of Daniela and Diana on her car to honor all victims killed by irresponsible drivers.

'A slap in the face': Drunk driver gets 15 years in prison for killing two

प्रकाशित : 10 महीने पहले द्वारा Alicia Neaves में

Loved ones of two women killed by a drunk driver are calling for harsher penalties for convicted criminals, and additional technology to prevent wrong-way drivers.

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Ricardo Rodriguez, convicted of killing 25-year-old Daniela Lute and 26-year-old Daniela Rubio, was sentenced in a Bexar County court Thursday. On August 7, 2021, Rodriguez led police on an 18-mile chase while driving drunk, going the wrong way on I-35.

KENS 5 spoke with the victims' families following the sentencing. They consider the decision of 15 years in jail and eligibility for probation in seven years nothing short of injustice.

"There was a lot of tears in the courtroom," said Lute's mother, Michelle Taylor. "A lot of tears from everybody on our side, at least."

"There isn't a set amount of time they could give him that would alleviate our pain," said Rubio's mother, Laura Rubio. "The only thing he could actually do would be to repent and to help others not to be in his same fate."

"If this continues to happen, where will we be in three years? Will there be any citizens in Texas? They've all been killed by drunk drivers," he said. "My God, where does it end?"

Illuminated signs saying "Wrong Way" with red blinking LED lights are being placed across the city. TxDOT officials say wrong-way driver "hot spots" are still being identified.

Taylor pitched an idea of some sort of alert system that also could notify drivers of a vehicle going the wrong way.

Aside from drunk drivers being held responsible, Taylor wants to see the businesses who served them face consequences, too.

"Establishments that sell alcohol should be held responsible also by the State of Texas for overserving a person who killed or injured a human being," said Taylor.

Shortly after the tragedy, Taylor placed pictures of Daniela and Diana on her car. What started as a tribute to the two friends has grown to honor all victims killed by irresponsible drivers.

"There's no stopping me. This was my only child. I will never have grandchildren. My daughter will never be married. Diana will never be married. We've lost so much," said Taylor.


विषय: Crime

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