The mother who pleaded guilty in connection to a deadly DUI crash that killed her 5-year-old daughter and another girl was sentenced to eight years in prison on Friday.
Arlene Hernandez, 23, was driving in August 2012 when her car rolled into Otay Reservoir, killing two children in the backseat. The passengers were 32-year-old Eric Figueroa, his 5-year-old daughter Giuliana and Hernandez's daughter Lesette Silva, 5.
In March, Hernandez pleaded guilty to six felonies, including vehicular manslaughter and driving drunk, in addition to two misdemeanors.
The courtroom was filled with people, many who were emotional during the sentencing.
"My daughter never intended to hurt her daughter or Giuliana," said Hernandez’s mother, who was crying at the stand. "She made a lot of mistakes... I think she should be punished.”
Her father also spoke, and apologized for any harm that Hernandez had caused.
Giuliana's mother also spoke, saying she has no sympathy for Hernandez.
"I'm tormented by the loss of my daughter," said Natasha Sierra. "I feel guilty even that I couldn't save my daughter and I wasn't the one that caused this."
