Homepage / Phoenix News
E-Mail News Alerts
Get breaking news and daily headlines.
Browse all e-mail newsletters

| More


2 Convicted In Separate Fatal DUI Crashes

Both Drivers Had Blood-Alcohol Levels Over .15

POSTED: 5:19 pm MST October 9, 2009
UPDATED: 5:49 pm MST October 9, 2009

Two men have been convicted in separate alcohol-involved crashes.

County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced Friday that Gabriel Burns, 23, was convicted on two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault for the May 2008 crash that killed a Phoenix couple and injured their two small children.

Phoenix police said Burns had a blood-alcohol level of .159 percent when he ran a red light at 96 mph and crashed into the victims' car on Mother's Day. Refugio Godinez-Barreto, 51, and Josephina Garcia-Godinez, 42, were killed in the crash.

The couple's children, ages 4 and 10 at the time, were treated at the hospital.

Sentencing for Burns is scheduled for Nov. 18.

Manuel Contreras-Galdean, 33, an illegal immigrant, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault for a November 2008 crash in Mesa, Ariz., that killed 16-year-old Kelly Tracy.

According to Mesa police, Contreras-Galdean failed to yield while making a left turn and crashed into the victims' car. Tracy died at the hospital. Her 17-year-old brother also suffered serious injuries.

Police said Contreras-Galdean admitted to drinking six beers before the crash. His blood-alcohol level was .192 percent.

"As these cases show, driving under the influence is dangerous and often carries deadly consequences," said Thomas. "Our office will request tough prison sentences to hold these drivers accountable."


Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Snacking can be a healthy part of your diet, as long as you choose the right snacks. Get tips for eating between meals. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Thinking of remodeling? You don't have to spend a lot to add home value. See how even small updates can reap big financial returns. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Sponsored Links

Consumer Info



Sponsored Content Provided by ARA