FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A Fresno County man convicted in a drunk-driving crash that killed a 28-year-old mother and seriously injured two members of her family was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in state prison.<\/p>\n
Saul GalvezDiaz appeared in court for sentencing as relatives of the victim, Michaelle Lawrence, attended virtually and shared emotional statements about the impact of her death.<\/p>\n
“You will likely go on to live another day when it’s difficult for me not to wish that it had been you who lost your life as a result of your abhorrent behavior,” said Tina Williams in a statement read to the court.<\/p>\n
According to investigators, GalvezDiaz crossed the center line while driving near Floral and Willow avenues in Fresno County and collided head-on with another vehicle. The crash killed Michaelle Lawrence and left her mother and 9-year-old daughter with major injuries.<\/p>\n
Family members told the court that Lawrence’s death has had lasting consequences, particularly for her young daughter.<\/p>\n
“A young girl is now forced to grow up without her mother’s guidance and love because of a completely preventable choice made by the defendant,” Tina Williams said.<\/p>\n
Authorities said Lawrence died before reaching the hospital.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors told the court that when deputies arrived at the crash scene, GalvezDiaz initially claimed his wife had been driving the vehicle. Investigators later determined he was behind the wheel and had a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit.<\/p>\n
Deputy District Attorney Christopher Moss argued that GalvezDiaz repeatedly attempted to downplay his actions throughout the case.<\/p>\n
“The defendant, throughout this process, continues to lie to the court about the facts of this case and attempts to minimize his behavior,” Moss said.<\/p>\n
During sentencing, prosecutors also highlighted GalvezDiaz’s prior history with impaired driving. Court records showed he had appeared in court for a separate misdemeanor DUI just over a month before the fatal crash.<\/p>\n
“he ignored those conditions. Instead, he continued drinking and driving,” Moss said.<\/p>\n
The judge ultimately sentenced GalvezDiaz to 11 years in state prison.<\/p>\n
“This was an entirely avoidable tragedy, but the defendant made all the wrong choices,” Moss said after the hearing.<\/p>\n
Before concluding the proceedings, the judge warned GalvezDiaz that any future fatal DUI-related offense could expose him to murder charges under California law.<\/p>\n
The sentence brings the criminal case to a close more than a year after the crash that claimed Lawrence’s life and forever changed her family’s future.<\/p>\n
For news updates, follow Vincent Camarillo on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n