Man sentenced for crash that killed 2 Selma High School students

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man convicted of killing two popular Selma High School students in a violent crash three years ago was sentenced on Monday.

Jesse Lujan and Anthony Caro both died in the car crash in July of 2011. The accident happened at Bethel and Clarkson near Kingsburg. The suspect -- Anthony Shepherd -- ran from the scene but was later arrested.

Family members of these young Selma students called Shepherd a coward who ran from responsibility after the crash. They were especially shocked to hear his lack of sympathy during sentencing.

"We will never forget sitting in the hospital emergency room, waiting, hoping and praying for good news, only to have our worst nightmares confirmed," said Jamie McFarland, Caro's cousin. "Our wounds will never heal. The pain of Anthony's death will never subside."

Three years ago, Caro was preparing to start college after a successful senior year at Selma High, and Lujan, his lifelong friend, was enjoying his last summer before his senior year. At an intersection near Kingsburg, all their hopes and dreams were cut short.

Monday, justice is what Lujan's mother wanted, but she feels nine years for two promising lives is not enough.

"It's like a slap on the wrist and then the way his family was acting toward me was even more horrific, so it's like 'where's justice served here?'" said Norfilia Garza.

Crash reports show Shepherd was going close to 90 miles an hour when his car slammed into the Honda. After the wreck, he left the victims and two other passengers in his own car. Monday, he apologized partially.

"If myself, as well as Anthony Caro's actions would have been different, and would have used better judgment, Jesse Lujan Jr. would still be here today and so would Anthony Caro," said Shepherd. "I hope this gives you some kind of peace in your hearts. I'm really sorry, and I know that doesn't make it better."

According to California Highway Patrol investigators, Caro was also to blame for running a stop sign. But even the judge was stunned by Shepherd's words, and his apology to only the passenger's family.

"That sir was nothing better than trying to shift the blame from yourself, to the driver of the other car," the judge told Shepherd.

"I said as well as myself and Anthony Caro," Shepherd replied.

"I'm not going to get into a debate with you," the judge said.

This grieving mom had hoped to leave court with some sense of closure. Instead she left more angry and hurt.

"I think it was more just, you know, I'm only telling you guys sorry to get back at the Caros, to make them feel worse, but I don't really think it was from his heart," said Garza.

Early on, Shepherd pleaded guilty and reached a deal he initiated with prosecutors, but that didn't matter after his words many wish he saved.

Shepherd was sentenced to nine years for a felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and leaving the scene. Based on his time served, he will only be in prison for about two and a half more years.