Some say that there is no bigger pain than losing your child. Sadly for Jose and Heidy Jimenez, they were robbed of the opportunity to even get to know their child.
Back on December 29, 2018, the Jimenezes were driving back from a dinner with Heidy’s parents. During the dinner, they had shared an ultrasound photo of their baby with her parents. Things changed when a man slammed into their car and caused serious damage.
Authorities arrested Rafael Delgado, 27, at the scene for what they suspected to be drunken driving. His blood alcohol concentration eventually registered as 0.16, twice the legal limit. After the accident, both Jose and Heidy received treatment at the hospital for their injuries. Jose had to be treated for major injuries to his leg and Heidy underwent cesarean section surgery to deliver her baby, Sophie Juliette. Unfortunately, Sophie passed on December 31, 2018.
Careful Consideration for Fatal DUI Crash
The sentencing for the fatal DUI crash took place on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020. Jose and Heidy gave tearful statements about their experience, evoking strong emotions about their loss. On the other side, there was a significant amount of support inside the courthouse for Delgado. Many of his family members showed up, and his mother made a statement to the judge pleading for mercy. They said that Delgado was a good man and had not been trouble with the law before.
Delgado himself issued an apology at the hearing, stating, “I am ashamed and angry for causing this horrible event that you will have to endure forever… I have failed my family, my community, your family, and myself.” He pleaded no contest to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI with BAC of 0.8% or more causing injury.
Ultimately, Judge Idiart took into consideration Delgado’s age and the lack of criminal history and sentenced him to seven years and four months with an added restriction. The prosecution argued that Delgado didn’t deserve leniency for the destruction he caused and had pushed for a full eight-year prison term.
Judge Idiart explained that “Although you are eligible for probation, because of the carnage you have created probation is denied… I can’t overlook your age and the good things you have done in life and the support you have. And that just shows how tragic this whole situation is.”
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