KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Sanger DUI Offender gets Maximum Sentence for 3 Deaths

Sanger DUI Offender gets Maximum Sentence for 3 Deaths

By Norma Yuriar

Fresno County, Calif.  (KMPH News) -- A Sanger man is given the maximum penalty for his crime, 32–year old William Rivera Jr. was sentenced to 15–years to life in prison for the deaths of three people.

His fate was sealed one month after Rivera pled ‘no contest’ to three felony counts of second degree murder and two counts of felony DUI.

"You can't describe the pain.  These are three people that lost their lives at the prime of their life," Fresno County Deputy DA Robert Mangano said.

Investigators say Rivera was drunk and driving on the wrong side of a busy Fresno County road when he plowed into the victims' car on June 24.

During Tuesday's sentencing inside Fresno County Superior Court — an aunt of one the victims said her niece was planning a trip to Magic Mountain to celebrate her birthday, instead the family sang 'happy birthday' at the cemetery.

"There are no words to express the devastation that our family and friends experienced," Betty Rodriguez said.

Her nieces 21year–old Virginia Garcia, and 14year–old Vivian Garcia were killed in the crash, 20–year–old Francisco Magana also died.

Maria Vera expressed the pain she suffered when she learned of her daughters' death.

"Gina did not deserve to die like this," Vera said.  "She was a beautiful kind hearted young lady that wanted to be a Registered Nurse one day."

Rivera fought back tears after family members spoke and apologized for the loss he created.

"I have no right to say sorry to you guys," Rivera said.  "The only thing I can ask for is for forgiveness."

Rivera was driving on the wrong side of Jensen near Armstrong with the blood alcohol level of nearly three times the legal limit according to the California Highway Patrol.  Family members set up a memorial on the side of the road sending their own message to people that drive by.  There's a sign reading:  'In loving memory of our children killed by a drunk driver.'

Vera told the Judge the accident could have been avoided had William's made a more responsible choice.

"William Rivera not only shredded the car Virginia and Vivian were in, he shredded their bodies and he shredded my heart," Vera said.  "It's time for this man to be given the punishment he deserves."

The Judge also sentenced Rivera to an additional six years in prison on a previous charge of child molestation.  Rivera will serve 21–years in prison before he is eligible for parole.