29-year-old woman sentenced to 14 years in prison for deadly 2018 DUI crash

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Tears filled a South Valley courtroom in Porterville on Monday afternoon as dozens continued to mourn the loss of three women: 77-year-old Maria Rivas, her 75-year-old sister, Eva Lopez, and 45-year-old Veronica Luna, who is Maria's daughter.

All were killed in a DUI crash in 2018 on Highway 99 in Pixley, caused by then 22-year-old Brenda Garcia Madrigal, who was driving the wrong way.

"Not a day goes by without me thinking about them, but they are gone forever," expressed family member Norma Alvarez Rivas.

Impact statements were read by the victim's family members, as they addressed the now 29-year-old, who recently pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter charges.

One family member said, "Just know that at least I do forgive you, and I pray that someday you can really understand the people you hurt."

"I hope that you pray and find God in your life because he's the only one that could give you the peace, that is what has given me the peace," mentions another family member, Cynthia Macias.

Through tears, Madrigal also read an apology to the victim's family.

"I am no longer the same person I was when I made those choices. Today, I am a mother to a beautiful three-year-old daughter who looks up to me for guidance, love and an example."

While her apology was welcomed by the family, Alejandro Macias, who lost his mother and sister in the crash, says the last seven years of waiting have been filled with pain.

"The justice system needs a little stricter laws where people need to earn their way out and not just get credit. They need to earn it," expressed Alejandro.

Madrigal was sentenced to a total of 14 years, with credit for 845 days served.

She was taken into custody in handcuffs and in tears on Monday afternoon.

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