Twyla Casados, Murder, Colorado 2019

Durango, Colorado - In a devastating case of drunk driving, Twyla Casados, age 34, of Ignacio, Colorado, was sentenced to serve 14 years in federal prison for murder in the second degree.

On December 18, 2018, Casados drank to intoxication before taking the wheel of a Chevrolet Suburban with several of her children in the car. At approximately 5:30 p.m. near Ignacio, Colorado, Casados veered over a median turn lane into oncoming traffic, crashing into another car and killing the driver instantly.

Casados had a lengthy history of alcohol-related offenses, including three convictions for D.U.I. (one of which resulted in serious injuries) and an alcohol-related child abuse conviction. Despite receiving extensive treatment and supervision, Casados continued to drink and drive, ultimately leading to the fatal crash.

“Driving under the influence can be deadly,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn. “The defendant killed another person as a result of her drunk driving. She will have 14 years in federal prison to reflect on that fact.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately one person dies in the United States every 50 minutes in a crash involving an alcohol-impaired driver.

This case was investigated by the Southern Ute Police Department. The defendant was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Graves.

Casados was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 4, 2019, on a charge of murder in the second degree. As part of the plea agreement, Casados specifically admitted that she was aware that her actions of driving under the influence posed a serious risk of death or serious bodily injury to herself or others, but stated that she did not care.

Casados appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-co/pr/ignacio-woman-sentenced-14-years-federal-prison-dui-murder