Sonora, CA — A Sonora man is on his way to state prison after being sentenced to 19 years to life for killing 71-year-old David Lomeli of Tuolumne while driving drunk.
33-year-old Mark Hernandez was convicted last month of second degree murder and felony drunk driving.
CHP officers say Hernandez had a blood alcohol level of .27 when he was seen passing cars and speeding before the accident that killed Lomeli in August.
Reports indicate that Lomeli was stopped in a left turn lane on Tuolumne Road when Hernandez plowed into the back of his truck.
At the hearing yesterday, Lomeli´s daughters spoke about their father and told the judge they were planning their parent´s 50th wedding anniversary.
Hernandez also spoke to the judge and said he is deeply remorseful for the hurt he has caused.
Contact Sabrina Sabbagh at Sabrina Sabbagh
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 1:51 pm