Driver In Deadly SW Miami-Dade DUI Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Emotional moments inside a Miami courtroom on Thursday.
Christopher Masferrer was sentenced after a horrible drunk driving accident that took the lives of three people, including two 17-year-old girls.
"I miss her so much. It is unexplainable. Knowing that she is no longer part of my life hurts," said Jackeline Gonzalez.
Gonzalez still grieves for her 17-year-old sister Caroline Agreda.
"Like that gnawing in your throat that never goes away, the pain in your stomach that is too much to bear," she said.
It was April 2014 when Eduardo Hernandez – a Good Samaritan – stopped to help Agreda and 17-year-old Anapaula Saldana after they were in an accident. That's when Masferrer's car struck and killed them.
Police say Masferrer's blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit.
"The pain never goes away. We are still numb. This should not have happened," said Fatima Hernandez, Eduardo's widow.
The victims' relatives spoke about their loss.
"My senior year will be a tough year. Most important she will not be able to see me graduate," said Christian Saldana, Anapaula's brother.
Her father, Otto, said, "For me....there is much pain."
Masferrer accepted a plea for DUI manslaughter – five years for each death. He'll then serve two years of community control and 8 years of probation.
"Let me say I take full responsibility for this incident. This was irresponsible and this was reckless behavior," Masferrer said. "I do not have the words to express how remorseful I feel and the pain and suffering I have caused."
He then he turned to grieving relatives. Their anguish could be heard throughout the courtroom.
"How do I say I'm sorry to the families of the loved ones for the lives I have taken?" Masferrer said. "I'm sorry that is all I have to say. I have failed everyone in my life as a father and son and as a Marine. I have caused irreparable damage."
Masferrer apologized to his family before he is taken away.
"Honestly I have no hatred in my heart. I feel for Masferrer and his family and the other families. I am glad it is over," Gonzalez said. "How do you feel about his apology? I feel it was authentic. I feel it was well received."
After prison, Masferrer will have not be allowed to drink or take drugs unless they are prescribed while he is on probation. He'll have to attend a substance abuse program and pay more than $12,000 to a victim's compensation fund. And his license will be permanently suspended.