APA sat on the bench in the 17th section of the Madrid Provincial Court this Monday. He had been driving under the influence. The incident that doubled the alcohol level claimed the lives of Marta, age 40, and one of her two 12-year-old daughters. The parties reached a prison sentence agreement of 4 years and 6 months.
Truths
December 1, 2022, at 21:30. Marta was getting into a car with her daughters, aged 12 and 9. The belts were fastened and everything seemed calm. The woman glanced in the rearview mirror and started to drive away. The vehicle was parked at the curb on a street in Móstoles. He attempted to join the traffic, but traffic remained clear. In a matter of moments, his life took a tragic turn.
A sudden flash, a powerful impact, and the scene unfolded with devastating effect. Marta died instantly, as did her 12-year-old daughter. The vehicle moved uncontrollably, and the youngest child, nine, survived but traumatized. When the emergency teams arrived, there was nothing they could do for Marta or her eldest daughter. Time of death for the mother and daughter was recorded as 21:40. The collision occurred when a vehicle struck another from the front while maneuvering. The attacker had pulled out from a parking area and entered a road where another car was traveling at over 130 km/h in an urban zone. The driver tested positive for drugs and showed a level of intoxication far above the legal limit.
APA faced the judge that Monday in front of Marta’s family. He was charged with two counts of murder by serious recklessness, one count of assault by serious recklessness, one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and a fourth count of reckless driving. Prosecutors asked for a sentence of six years.
Alcohol and drugs
APA remained at the scene after the crash as emergency responders arrived. Marta and her eldest daughter lay lifeless, while the younger girl was in shock. Municipal police began their investigation. The preliminary report noted external signs compatible with alcohol consumption, including strong breath and slowed movements. The officers documented that APA showed noticeable signs of intoxication distinct from normal behavior and that the driver’s responses were delayed and unsteady.
The report further noted signs consistent with drug or narcotic use. Red facial flushing, eye tremors, slurred or slowed speech, and repeated phrases in a way that suggested confusion were observed. The investigators stated that APA had difficulty judging time, displayed balance problems, and moved with a lack of coordination.
The breathalyzer test results were alarming. The initial reading exceeded the limit, and a second measurement confirmed intoxication. APA was placed in police custody. He did not appear in court on the day of the incident but was taken into temporary custody the following day.
Careless driving
Alcohol, drugs, and excessive speed combined to create a perilous situation. Police calculations placed the crash speed between 131.4 km/h and 144 km/h, far above the urban limit of 50 km/h. The driver, who owned the vehicle, navigated streets under the influence and engaged in behavior that violated multiple traffic rules. He was seen approaching an intersection and then turning left into traffic rather than using a proper exit, exposing others to serious danger.
The court later ordered four years and six months in prison and the confiscation of the driver’s license. In terms of civil liability, compensation of 455,685 euros was determined to cover the deaths of Marta and her daughter.