Three dead in a DWI crash and now a third appeal

Seven years after a drunk driving crash killed three people, the drunk driver, Camille Lente was sentenced to 16 years today, but this is not her first round.  She has appealed the case three times.

The fatal crash happened in December 2005.  Lente and an 18 year old man were driving on the Isleta Pueblo and plowed into a truck with Jessica Murillo, Murillo's little 12 year old brother, Andres and Joshua Romero, 18.  Joshua and Andres both died at the scene as did the passenger in Lente's car.  Jessica was severely injured and had to go through years of therapy.  

A year later, Lente pleaded guilty to three counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault.  She admitting she drank as many as 19 beers and used marijuana that night.  Also she didn't have a license or insurance. She was first sentenced to 18 years in 2006, but appealed because she thought the sentence was extreme.  On appeal she got a 16 year-sentence, but then appealed again and today a third sentencing in U.S. District Court.

A frustrated Judge William Johnson issued a 28 page opinion in hopes of bringing closure to the case.  Anthony Romero is the father of Joshua, who died in the crash and he says it has been tough on the families, "During this last appeal, we heard testimony of the defendant bragging about the illegal drugs she got in prison and provided services as a prostitute in prison to obtain those drugs."

At the end of today's sentencing, Lente's attorney said his client had objections and will likely appeal once again. Judge Johnson will hear those objections on January 11, 2013.