A Colorado jury convicted Rogel Aguilera-Mederos in October for a 2019 trucking accident that killed 4 individuals. On the time, Rogel informed police the brakes on the semi tractor-trailer failed on Interstate 70 close to Denver. In line with CNN, he was going 85 mph. The jury discovered Rogel responsible on a number of prices, together with vehicular murder, first-degree assault, tried first-degree assault, vehicular assault and reckless driving to call a number of. Then, on Monday, Decide Bruce Jones sentenced Rogel to 110 years in jail for the accident.
Decide Fingers Sentence, However Lawyer Plans To Attraction
“I settle for and respect what the defendant has stated about his lack of intent to harm individuals, however he made a collection of horrible choices, reckless choices,” Decide Jones stated at Monday’s sentencing.
The choose additionally clarified that beneath his discretion, 110 years “wouldn’t be [his] sentence.” Nevertheless, Decide Jones was apparently sure by Colorado’s mandatory-minimum sentencing legal guidelines for a few of the prices.
Nonetheless, Rogel’s lawyer James Colgan plans to attraction. James informed CNN Rogel doesn’t should die in jail. James stated their attraction will concentrate on “the information and errors made within the trial.” He stated the problem isn’t with the sentence however the regulation itself, which he described as “barbaric and Draconian.”
Particulars About The Lethal Accident
Throughout the trial, Lakewood Police Division testified that no alcohol or medication had been concerned within the accident. The arrest affidavit says Rogel tried to keep away from hitting visitors by driving unto the freeway’s shoulder. Nevertheless, Rogel says one other semi-truck was already stopped there. Moments earlier than crashing, Rogel stated he closed his eyes as a result of he thought he was going to die. The outcome was a 28-car pile up that killed 4 individuals between ages 24-69. CBS Denver reported that the freeway was shut down for twenty-four hours for folk touring in both course.
On the time of the accident, Rogel was 23 years previous. His lawyer described him a Cuban immigrant who “drastically valued his life in America,” per CBS Denver. He has no prior felony file. He obtained his business license out of Texas. Family and friends painted him as “a very good younger man” who’s married and father to a son.
“I’m begging for forgiveness. I want for all of the heartfelt ache to go away from all our hearts,” Rogel stated by way of tears on the sentencing.
In a separate interview with CBS, the previous driver additionally admitted to wishing he died as an alternative of 61-year-old Doyle Harrison, 67-year-old William Bailey, 24-year-old Miguel Angel Lamas and 69-year-old Stanley Politano, 69.
Public Calls For Completely different Consequence
In the meantime, it seems the general public is on Rogel’s aspect following the tough sentence. A number of petitions have popped on Change.org following the information. One particularly, calling for commutation as time served or clemency, boasts over three million signatures as of Friday afternoon.
People are additionally asking Colorado Governor Jared Polis to intervene. The governor responded to the questions of clemency on Thursday.
“We evaluate all clemency purposes, we’ve but to obtain one from the person however each clemency utility that we obtain, we evaluate and make a dedication,” Gov. Polis stated.
It is a creating story.
Need updates immediately in your textual content inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 or click on right here to affix!