LOCAL : Drunk Driver Sentenced to 10 Years for Death of Newport Beach Woman
Danny David Ornelas, 19, today was given the maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for running down and killing a Newport Beach mother of three Sept. 1.
Ornelas of Huntington Park was drunk and speeding when he struck and killed Debbie Killelea, 37, in the alley behind her Balboa Peninsula home in front of her two sons.
Brian Killelea, 40, her husband, told the judge before sentencing, “I am not a vengeful person. However, I represent the American family, and all I want is justice.” The husband, who had not testified during the three-week trial, broke into tears as he spoke of his wife’s death.
“It is with a heavy heart that I do this, Mr. Ornelas, but I must do what I must do,” said Orange County Superior Court Judge Luis A. Cardenas, who had the options of giving Ornelas a four-year, six-year or 10-year sentence for gross vehicular manslaughter.
The prosecutor said Ornelas must serve at least five years in state prison before being eligible for parole. Ornelas’ attorney said he will appeal.
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