FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The man responsible for a deadly DUI crash in Fresno County four months ago is now heading to state prison.
On Tuesday, 40-year-old Luis Estanga was scheduled for a preliminary hearing, but that changed with a proposed plea deal.
Judge Houry Sanderson confirmed the agreement with Estanga, asking, “When you enter a plea of criminal case, which this is, any plea other than a not guilty plea means you’re giving up your constitutional rights and would be facing penalties and consequences, you understand that sir?”
After hours of discussion, with his wife and son anxiously waiting in the gallery, Estanga waived his right to a trial.
Back in June, Estanga was driving four passengers down Trimmer Springs Road just north of Pine Flat Lake in Fresno County.
Highway patrol officers say he was under the influence of alcohol when he lost control on a curve, sending his truck rolling down a steep 200-foot embankment.
The crash killed 46-year-old Cristian Jaime and sent the three other passengers to the hospital.
Estanga was airlifted from the scene and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital before being put behind bars.
Tuesday, he pled no contest to vehicular manslaughter with ordinary negligence and agreed to serve five years in prison.
This term is much less than he could have faced under the original charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
“You’re lucky that it does not charge against you,” Judge Sanderson said, “So instead of 5 years, you would’ve been looking at 15 years to life, do you understand?”
The plea deal will also come with $10,000 in restitution to the victims.
Estanga will be back in court next month for his sentencing.
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