San Diego, California – A woman who caused a fatal rollover crash in downtown San Diego while driving under the influence has been sentenced to four years in state prison. Alexis Quintero, 24, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and other charges for the February 6 crash, which resulted in the death of her friend, Katherine Garcia, 26.

The incident occurred at around 3 a.m. on First Avenue, near B Street. Garcia was a passenger in Quintero’s vehicle and was ejected from the car, losing her life at the scene. Both women were residents of the Los Angeles area.

According to Deputy District Attorney Deven Klee, Quintero and Garcia had been drinking at bars in the Gaslamp Quarter prior to the crash. Quintero’s intention was to drive them back to Los Angeles County that night. Shortly after the accident, Quintero was found to have a blood-alcohol-content of .18%, which is more than twice the legal driving limit in California.

During the sentencing hearing, a family member of Garcia expressed that Quintero had convinced Garcia to join her for the trip to San Diego, despite Garcia initially not wanting to go. Quintero’s defense attorney, Edward Esqueda, acknowledged that Garcia was Quintero’s “best friend” and stated that Quintero has been remorseful since the incident. Esqueda added that his client has not driven or consumed alcohol since the night of the crash.

Quintero apologized to Garcia’s family, asserting that her intentions were not malicious, but rather to transport her friend back home as they had done on previous occasions. However, Quintero acknowledged that she understands if Garcia’s family does not forgive her.

The conviction of Alexis Quintero for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated brings closure to a tragic incident that claimed the life of Katherine Garcia. Quintero’s four-year prison sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of drunk driving and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones.