BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Joanne Figueroa waited a long time for this moment.
More than two years have passed from the day her 1-year-old daughter was killed by a drunken driver in Shafter until Thursday, when he was sentenced.
She wept in court as she finally got to tell Irving De Jesus Rodriguez-Barraza about the pain — both physical and emotional — he’s caused her family.
“I hope drinking those beers were worth it because not only did you mess up my family’s life, but you also messed up yours,” Figueroa said.
She said he’ll likely experience anxiety and depression as he spends the next few years in a prison cell. He might even feel like he’s going crazy.
Figueroa said that’s how she’s felt every day since he took her daughter.
“You will lose your freedom for eight years, and I will lose my daughter forever,” she said.
Judge Eric Bradshaw, who last month accepted an open plea from Rodriguez-Barraza, sentenced him to a total of eight years and four months in prison. He also ordered him to pay about $280,000 for losses incurred by the family — with more restitution to be determined.