Convicted DUI driver sentenced to 17 years for the death of Hanford mother

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's been 16 months since Kellie Rivera's death shocked the community of Hanford.

The mother of four was driving when she was hit and killed by a drunk driver in December 2024.

Cameras were not allowed in court on Tuesday, where loved ones had the opportunity to address the court in front of the already two-time convicted DUI offender, Phillip Andrew Chavez-Macias.

"This was a preventable tragedy by his choice, driving as fast as he was, as drunk as he was. I mean, there's just, there's no excuse for it. I feel some level of relief because, in reality, it's done now that I don't have to worry about a jury trial, and, more importantly, appeals," says Jonathan Rivera, Kellie's husband.

Chavez-Macias was facing murder charges and 15 years to life if the case had gone to trial.

A plea deal was a resolution reached by both the defendant and the victim's family.

"He is going to serve his 10 years, then he is going to go directly into the seven years, so it will be one sentence back to back to back," says Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker.

Jonathan Rivera, Kellie's husband of 19 years and a Hanford Police Officer, is now raising their kids without his partner.

The children were ages 4 to 15 when their mother died.

"My oldest is now 17 and then my youngest is about to turn six, but it's a transition for all of us. They have to learn to step up in ways that they shouldn't have to. I have to learn to step in ways I shouldn't have to," says Jonathan.

In court, Chavez-Macias sat quietly while listening to loved ones describe the person he killed.

The family shared victim impact statements, describing Kellie as loving, kind, the best mother and someone who was loved by many.

Despite their heartbreak and pain, many said they have chosen to forgive.

"So my family believes in Christ and believes that our sins are forgiven. It doesn't mean there's no consequences. It just means they're forgiven," expresses Jonathan.

More than half a dozen different statements were read in court Tuesday morning, including from Kellie's children.

The eldest shared a heartfelt emotional poem on the loss of his mother.

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