The trucker who caused the 2013Â crash that killed a Yuma-based DPS trooper was sentenced to six years behind bars on Wednesday.
The crash took place on I-8 in eastern Yuma County. Officer Tim Huffman was writing an accident report when truck driver Jorge Espinoza, driving an empty tanker, crashed into his patrol car, causing a multi-vehicle wreck involving two other fire trucks and two additional police cars. The ensuing pile-up was nearly a mile long.
Espinoza’s defense said that he was blinded by the sun and that there was not adequate signage around the accident to help him stop in time. The prosecution argued that Espinoza was viewing images of scantily clad women on Facebook when he crashed.
The jury found Espinoza guilty of negligent homicide, six counts of endangerment, and six counts of criminal damage.
The court did offer Espinoza some leniancy in his sentancing because he had no prior convictions, had a reputation for being a responsible employee and family man, and expressed serious remorse in court.
Espinoza will recieve credit for the 153 days he has already served.
Sources:
Yuma Sun
AZ Central
Fox News Insider
KJZZ