Tears filled a Porterville courtroom Monday as families mourned the loss of three women: 77-year-old Maria Rivas, 75-year-old Eva Lopez, and 45-year-old Veronica Luna, Maria’s daughter.
The deadly crash happened in 2018 on Highway 99 in Pixley when then 22-year-old Brenda Garcia Madrigal drove the wrong way under the influence.
“Not a day goes by without me thinking about them, but they are gone forever,” said family member Norma Alvarez Rivas.
Family members delivered emotional impact statements as Madrigal, now 29, faced them after pleading guilty to vehicular manslaughter.
One relative told her:
“Just know that at least I do forgive you, and I pray that someday you can really understand the people you hurt.”
Another, Cynthia Macias, added:
“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.”
Through tears, Madrigal also apologized:
“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 some family members welcomed her apology, Alejandro Macias, who lost his mother and sister, expressed frustration:
“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.”
Madrigal received a 14-year prison sentence, with credit for 845 days served. She left the courtroom in handcuffs, weeping.
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