x
Breaking News
More () »

Repeat drunk driver sentenced

GREELEY - A repeat drunk driver, whose actions eventually claimed the lives of two people, was sentenced to 36 years in prison Friday.

The sentencing followed emotional testimony from both the family of the victims and the drunk driver, Tobias Sholes, 31, who stood an apologized for his actions.

He said that not a day goes by when he doesn't live with extreme guilt, shame and regret. "I am not here to make excuses for what I have done, I'm simply here to say that I am truly sorry…and this will be with me until the day that I die."Sholes was driving under the influence of alcohol in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2005 on Colo. 52 near Fort Lupton when he swerved into the opposite lane and caused a crash. Zuri Flores, 20, and her brother, Isai Flores, 24, were killed. They were on their way to work at the family business at the time. Sholes pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide in November.Members of the Flores family who spoke at Friday's hearing described the two victims as a pair who was always helping others. There were tears from the entire court room as video of the accident scene was played.Sholes faced a maximum of 48 years in prison and up to $1.5 millionin fines. He was sentenced to 18 years for each count of vehicular homicide for a total of 36 years. The judge said that while he was trying to have mercy, he was also trying to send a message.

Before You Leave, Check This Out