FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The man responsible for a deadly DUI crash in Fresno County four months ago is now heading to state prison.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, 40-year-old Luis Estanga was scheduled for a preliminary hearing, but that changed with a proposed plea deal.<\/p>\n
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?”<\/p>\n
After hours of discussion, with his wife and son anxiously waiting in the gallery, Estanga waived his right to a trial.<\/p>\n
Back in June, Estanga was driving four passengers down Trimmer Springs Road just north of Pine Flat Lake in Fresno County.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The crash killed 46-year-old Cristian Jaime and sent the three other passengers to the hospital.<\/p>\n
Estanga was airlifted from the scene and spent nearly two weeks in the hospital before being put behind bars.<\/p>\n
Tuesday, he pled no contest to vehicular manslaughter with ordinary negligence and agreed to serve five years in prison.<\/p>\n
This term is much less than he could have faced under the original charge of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.<\/p>\n
“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?”<\/p>\n
The plea deal will also come with $10,000 in restitution to the victims.<\/p>\n
Estanga will be back in court next month for his sentencing.<\/p>\n
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