ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – John Bearden Jr., the driver who blew through a stop sign in a stolen car and killed a ten-year-old girl was sentenced to 22 years behind bars Thursday.
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Police say in March 2023, Bearden Jr. was driving a stolen state-owned vehicle while high on meth. Bearden Jr. blew through a stop sign and plowed into a car near Bell and San Pedro. 10-year-old Penny Pizzaro died from her injuries and her father, David Pizarro was badly injured. Earlier this year Bearden Jr. pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle and great bodily injury by vehicle DWI, knowingly leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, and auto theft. Bearden Jr. was sentenced to 22 years behind bars, followed by five years probation.