Driver of fatal DUI accident receives maximum sentence
By Cecilia Green
Published on May 24, 2006
Isaac Vazquez, 27, got behind the wheel of his Ford F-150 after drinking at a party on June 12, 2004, when he struck the vehicle of Paul “P.J.�? Combs, age 18. Combs, who had been running errands for his grandparents when the crash occurred, died at the scene.
Vazquez was charged with driving under the influence and DUI manslaughter. During trial, Vazquez didn’t show any remorse and continually denied that he was driving the vehicle, though he did admit to being behind the wheel, and also stated that he was too drunk to remember what he had said after the accident. The jury convicted Vazquez on both counts of DUI and DUI manslaughter.
Cocaine was also found in Vazquez’s system after the accident; however, he denied that he ever knowingly took the drug, and was not convicted on this count.
Vazquez tried to get a reduced sentence, reminding the judge and jury that he had two children. Judge Manual Lopez, who was overseeing the case, responded to Vazquez by bringing up the subject of responsibility. He told Vazquez that a man with two children at home shouldn’t be out drinking in the morning, as he was the day the accident occurred.
Judge Lopez handed down the maximum sentence of 16 years in prison.
Since Vazquez is in the United States illegally, he will also face deportation. However, he will serve his 16-year sentence before the deportation process begins.
Paul Combs had recently graduated from high school and hoped to someday work for NASCAR as a technician. He is survived by his mother and 16-year-old brother, Travis.
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