Man sentenced to 25 years in DUI crash that killed nurse

 

RACINE COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A 22-year-old man was sentenced Monday, Oct. 2 in connection with the death of 20-year-old Johanna Pascoe. 

Ernesto Rodriguez was found guilty of homicide, driving while intoxicated. 

In court during the sentencing hearing, it was very emotional. Many people were seen crying inside the courthouse listening to multiple witnesses give their testimonies. 

Rodriguez was ultimately sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by 10 years of extended supervision.

Pascoe suffered a broken vertebrae and showed no signs of brain activity after Rodriguez got behind a wheel, drunk and without a valid U.S. license on Dec. 12, 2022. The victim's family took the stand, in tears describing how their lives have changed forever and want Rodriguez to take responsibility for his actions.

“Ernesto was outside his car stumbling around drunk at the scene of the crime, the EMT's and detectives were viewing a horrific scene of my daughter covered in blood as they struggled to cut her from her mangled vehicle and then tried to bring back life to her unresponsive body," the victim's mother said.

The judge said Rodriguez won't be able to drive for at least five years and must have a valid Wisconsin driver's license.