Man Sentenced For Wrong Way DUI Crash That Killed Woman, Injured Teen

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man who drove the wrong way down Interstate 15 in Serra Mesa while drunk and crashed head-on into another car last summer, killing a woman and injuring the victim's teenage daughter, was sentenced Tuesday to seven years and eight months in state prison.

Andres James Cox, 26, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and other charges for the Aug. 27 crash that killed 32-year-old Yannira Rodriguez and injured Rodriguez's 13-year-old daughter, who was riding in the front passenger seat.

Deputy District Attorney Spencer Sharpe said Cox's blood-alcohol level at the scene was measured at .18%, which is more than twice the legal driving limit in California.

Tuesday's sentencing hearing was attended by about 30 family members and friends of Rodriguez, as well as a similarly-sized group of supporters for Cox.

Cox's defense attorney, Michael Hernandez, said his client was on the right track in his life "until he made the worst decision he could ever make. That's to get behind the wheel and drive under the influence of alcohol."

Cox apologized to Rodriguez's family during the hearing and said he would work to bring the dangers of drinking and driving to light by speaking out about his experiences.

"I know there has been permanent damage to a beautiful family and deep down in my heart, I am truly sorry," Cox said. "This has been a wake-up call for me, and I hate that it had to be something so tragic for me to see how my choices affect other people."

Rodriguez's daughter, Genevieve, was among more than 10 people that spoke about the loss of Rodriguez, who family members say graduated from San Diego State University just months before her death and was pursuing a master's degree in Business.

The teen said the injuries she sustained in the crash were "a constant reminder" of the loss of her mother, who she called "the most determined person I knew."

Genevieve said, "Mr. Cox's actions were entirely preventable. He had a choice. My mom and I didn't."

— City News Service