Courtney Pandolfi: Driver sentenced for DUI murder of pregnant woman that was '100 percent preventable'
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA: Courtney Pandolfi, a California woman who admitted to driving under the influence of drugs, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old pregnant woman, has been handed a sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Despite emergency efforts, Yesenia Lisette Aguilar succumbed to her injuries, and her daughter, Adalyn Rose, was delivered via emergency C-section.
Insights into the tragic DUI crash
Pandolfi's conviction stems from a tragic incident in 2020 when her Jeep struck Aguilar, who was 35 weeks pregnant at the time, on a sidewalk in Anaheim. She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and several related charges, including driving under the influence causing injury.
When Aguilar was hit, she was taking a walk with her husband James Alvarez, who witnessed the tragic event unfold before him.
The grieving widower expressed how his wife was 'so excited' about motherhood, sharing that they had been attempting to conceive for two years.
The infant is now being cared for by her father Alvarez, Aguilar's husband.
In response to the sentencing, the heartbroken husband expressed a mix of relief and ongoing determination to seek justice for his late wife. "Even though 15 years to life isn't enough, I can finally breathe after fighting for so long to get the justice that we deserve," said Alvarez.
"My fight ain't over and will continue to fight to make sure she never gets out," reported Daily Mail.
Courtney Pandolfi history of DUI
Prosecutors revealed that Pandolfi was under the influence of a "drug cocktail" including cocaine and methamphetamine, at the time of the fatal incident.
This was not her first offense; she had previously been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs in 2008, 2015 and 2016. Despite receiving warnings about the potential consequences of her actions, Pandolfi continued to drive under the influence, leading to the tragic outcome.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned Pandolfi's actions as "beyond shocking" and 'absolutely reprehensible' in 2020. "This was 100 percent preventable. This woman knew the consequences of driving under the influence and she did it anyway," said DA Spitzer.
"There is no reason why a 23-year-old mother is dead and her daughter will grow up without ever seeing her mother's smile or hearing her voice.
Alvarez, reflecting on the profound loss of his wife and the challenges of raising their daughter alone, expressed his determination to honor Aguilar's memory.
"I want to fight for those poor victims who lost someone in a tragic accident because of a drunk driver," he said.
