Yesterday, a harsh sentence was handed down to Bella Dae Garza, the woman who, in a 2022 accident, tragically caused the death of 18-year-old cyclist Emilian Ramirez while driving under the influence of alcohol, cocaine, and Xanax. According to FOX San Antonio, Garza has been sentenced to serve a 12-year prison term and was also assessed a fine for her actions.
News 4 San Antonio reports that Garza, now 26, entered a 'no contest' plea to charges of intoxication manslaughter and endangering a child, the latter charge stemming from having her infant son in the car during the incident. In the lead-up to her trial, court records indicated that Garza violated her court-ordered breathalyzer tests six separate times.
The fatal incident occurred near The Quarry on Basse Road and McCullough Avenue, where Garza was reported to have been driving significantly over the speed limit before striking Ramirez, who per due process was identified through DNA testing because of the encounter's catastrophic nature. Despite her attorneys' plead for probation, Judge Velia Meza considered the evidence of Garza's continued misconduct while out on bond too substantial to ignore, deeming Garza "a threat to our community," as shared by FOX San Antonio.
During the victim impact statements, it was revealed that Ramirez's mother had to undergo the harrowing experience of DNA testing to help identify her son, indicating the extent of the force involved in the crash. "I’m so sorry" were the words Garza was heard repeating in the back of an ambulance, a sentiment that, when later informed of Ramirez's death, was received "matter of factly," according to News 4 San Antonio.
Despite Garza's emotional reaction upon receiving her sentence, she reportedly presented no emotion as Ramirez’s mother delivered her victim impact statement, highlighting the irrevocable loss suffered by the teenager's family. This case has culminated in a conclusion that leaves a community grappling with tragedy and the sobering reminder of the consequences of drunk driving.
