CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A plea bargain deal was reached Thursday morning for Alan Mendoza, the driver responsible for a wrong-way crash that killed a man and severely injured another in August 2023. The deal reached stated Mendoza will serve up to 14 years in prison.
Mendoza will have to serve at least half of his sentencing before he is eligible for parole.
Corpus Christi Police Department officials say Mendoza hit the other vehicle while going the wrong way on Highway 37-North and Carbon Plant Road around 3:30 a.m.
Upon investigation police determined he was intoxicated.
District Attorney Jimmy Granberry took the opportunity to send a message to those thinking about driving after a drink.
"At this time of spring break I just encourage everybody to think twice about getting behind the wheel when you put anything alcoholic in your body because one drink is too many when you are driving," Granberry said.
Assistant District Attorney Sophie Moore said the statements given from the victim's family members after the sentencing were emotional and heart breaking.
Granberry said since Mendoza is not a U.S. citizen, he will be deported to Mexico as soon as his sentence is served.
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