Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday shortened the jail sentence of a truck driver convicted in a lethal crash to 10 years, drastically decreasing his authentic 110-year time period that drew widespread outrage.
The choice on Rogel Aguilera-Mederos’ sentence was amongst a number of year-end commutations and pardons issued by Polis.
The transfer comes days after a choose scheduled a listening to for subsequent month to rethink the sentence on the request of the district lawyer, who deliberate to ask that it’s decreased to twenty to 30 years.
Round 5 million individuals signed an internet petition looking for clemency for Aguilera-Mederos, who was convicted of vehicular murder and different fees within the explosive 2019 pileup that killed 4 individuals.
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Aguilera-Mederos testified that he was hauling lumber when the brakes on his semitrailer failed as he was descending a steep grade of Interstate 70 within the Rocky Mountain foothills. His truck plowed into automobiles that had slowed due to one other wreck, setting off a chain-reaction crash and a fireball that consumed automobiles and melted components of the freeway.
Decide Bruce Jones imposed the 110-year sentence on Dec. 13 after discovering it was the necessary minimal time period set forth underneath state regulation, noting it could not have been his alternative.
Prosecutors had argued that as Aguilera-Mederos’ truck barreled down from the mountains, he might have used a runaway ramp alongside the interstate that’s designed to soundly cease automobiles which have misplaced their brakes.
District Legal professional Alexis King stated Thursday she was upset with the governor’s determination. She stated it was untimely and went in opposition to the desires of the surviving victims and households who misplaced family members, who needed to have the choose who oversaw the trial decide the suitable sentence.
“We’re assembly with the victims and their family members this night to assist them in navigating this unprecedented motion and to make sure they’re handled with equity, dignity, and respect throughout this tough time,” she stated in a press release.
The crash killed 24-year-old Miguel Angel Lamas Arellano, 67-year-old William Bailey, 61-year-old Doyle Harrison and 69-year-old Stanley Politano.
In a letter to Aguilera-Mederos explaining his determination, Polis stated that whereas he was not innocent within the crash, the 110-year sentence was disproportionate in comparison with inmates who dedicated intentional, premeditated or violent crimes.
The governor stated the case would hopefully spur a dialogue about sentencing legal guidelines, however he famous any future modifications wouldn’t assist Aguilera-Mederos.
“There may be an urgency to treatment this unjust sentence and restore confidence within the uniformity and equity of our legal justice system, and consequently I’ve chosen to commute your sentence now,” Polis wrote.
© 2021 The Canadian Press
