Maricela Diaz, a 24-year-old woman, was sentenced to six years in prison, yesterday, for her role in a fatal wrong-way DUI crash on SR-52 that resulted in the death of 49-year old El Cajon resident Roberto Mendez Sanchez in 2022.
According to San Diego County District Attorney's Office, Diaz's blood-alcohol content (BAC) was measured at around 0.24% after the crash, three times the legal limit for driving. Although Diaz received a six-year sentence, prosecutors had argued for the maximum possible sentence under the law - 10 years in prison.
In the words of District Attorney Summer Stephan, "It is heartbreaking that yet another precious life is lost to a completely preventable crime." Stephan urges drivers to make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving. She advises having a designated driver, using a cab or rideshare service, or simply not getting behind the wheel when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
On June 6th, Diaz pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI with injury.
