A local woman was sentenced to 12 years in prison for a drunk driving crash that killed a man in front of his family.
Blanca Torres, 42, was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter in March for the Oct. 16, 2018, crash. Evidence showed Mauricio Rodriguez Zuniga was driving with his family when he pulled over to check on the car he was towing behind him. When he stepped out, Torres hit him and the car. Zuniga was thrown several feet from the impact. He was taken to a hospital where he died. Torres’ blood alcohol content was .017, more than two times the legal limit.
During the punishment hearing, Torres admitted to continuing to drink after getting treatment from several sources. She was also demoted at work for drinking on the job. Torres also expressed her remorse to the family.
“When people make the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking, innocent lives can be ruined. Mr. Zuniga’s family will never forget that night. Now that this driver has accepted responsibility and is serving her sentence, I hope they find some peace and closure,” said Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales.
Assistant District Attorney Sade Mitchell Bogart of the Criminal Trial Division prosecuted this case in the 290th District Court. The San Antonio Police Department investigated the crime.