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Family Outraged as Driver Who Killed Son Gets Early Release

FOX 11 Los AngelesJanuary 19, 20265 min6,375 views
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Tragic Loss of Benjamin Montalvo

  • πŸ’” Benjamin Montalvo, a 21-year-old, had his life tragically cut short by a distracted and impaired driver.
  • πŸš— The driver, Naomi Renee Vado, struck Benjamin and continued to text while fleeing the scene.
  • ⚠️ Vada had a prior history of four hit-and-run incidents, including collisions with parked cars and injuring another pedestrian.

Sentencing and Early Release Controversy

  • βš–οΈ Vada was sentenced to 9 years in prison for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and felony hit and run.
  • πŸ“‰ The family was devastated to learn she is expected to be released after serving only two and a half years, approximately 28% of her sentence.
  • ❓ The family and victims advocate Moses Castillo are seeking answers regarding the drastic reduction in her sentence, citing merit credits as a potential reason.

Driver's Actions and Family's Suspicions

  • πŸŽ‰ Shortly after posting bail, Vada reportedly celebrated in Vegas with her boyfriend, toasting drinks, a detail highlighted by the DA in court.
  • πŸ“± The family suspects Vada may have been driving under the influence, as text messages allegedly revealed her mother advising her to dispose of open alcohol bottles and marijuana butts from her car before turning herself in.
  • πŸ—£οΈ The Montalvo family is urging the public to stop texting and driving to prevent similar tragedies.
  • 🏒 The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has not yet provided a response regarding the early release.
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What’s Discussed

Distracted DrivingImpaired DrivingVehicular ManslaughterFelony Hit and RunSentence ReductionEarly ReleaseVictim's RightsMerit CreditsCalifornia Department of Corrections and RehabilitationTexting and DrivingRe-victimization
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