The drunk driver responsible for a deadly 2017 head-on collision in Aqua Caliente was sentenced to at least 21 years in prison.
Manuel Lopez-Perez, 26, of Santa Rosa, was convicted of 2nd Degree Murder and Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated.
The horrific crash occurred the morning of November 14, 2017. Estefania Soto, 27, was driving her daughter, Kaliyah Adkins, age 7, to school when Lopez-Perez’ truck crossed over the center line and crashed head-on into the victim’s sedan.
Soto was killed instantly and Kaliyah was seriously injured. She died two days later.
Authorities said that Lopez-Perez had gotten off work around midnight on November 13 and went to a friend’s house where he drank beer for several hours while sitting in his truck.
Shortly after 6 a.m. he bought more beer, after initially being denied by a Safeway clerk because it was before the legal sell-time. Lopez-Perez then returned to his friend’s house and continued to drink beer in his truck until about 7:40 a.m.
Lopez-Perez then drove about one mile before slamming head-on into the victim’s vehicle, just north of Agua Caliente Road.
Lopez-Perez was charged with murder because of a prior record of driving under the influence. He received the maximum sentence of 21 years to life in prison.
“This resolution ensures the longest period of incarceration possible for this repeat drunk driver, and should serve as a warning to anyone who considers similar conduct,” stated District Attorney Jill Ravitch.
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