CLEVELAND–A woman is sentenced to 31 years in prison for drunk driving accident that killed two people in February.
Takara Kelley, 27, broke down in tears as she apologized to the familties.
“I would like to send my deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased,” she said, “I would like to apologize for my negligence. I’m so, so very sorry that I hurt such good people and their families.”
In August, Kelley pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, three counts of aggravated vehicular assault, and one count of driving while under the influence.
While driving on a suspended license, Kelley struck a car at West 74th Street and Franklin Boulevard in Cleveland. Police reports say she was driving 78 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone at the time of impact. Toxicology reports show she had cocaine and marijuana in her system. Kelley also had a .184 blood alcochol content level–more than double the legal limit–when the crashed into the family car.
The accident killed 70-year-old Luis Vazquez, and his 64-year-old wife, Juanita Gonzalez. They were pronounced dead at the scene. Their three grandchildren were in the car and are still recovering from injuries.
“No, I don’t accept your apology,” said Nereida Sanchez, daughter of the victims. “Your tears don’t move me. My niece is not walking or talking, a completely different person. Her siblings have scars emotionally and physically to this day. You robbed me from saying goodbye to my mom and my parents.”