A Fresno man was sentenced Friday to more than 14 years in prison for a 2022 crash that killed a 20-year-old woman and seriously injured four others while he was driving under the influence of marijuana.

Related Story: Fresno Burial Ceremony to Honor Five Abandoned Babies Set for Saturday

Antonio de Jesus Orozco Montes Deoca, 30, received a 14-year, 8-month sentence after pleading guilty last month to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing great bodily injury, according to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office.

The crash happened on Sept. 17, 2022, along State Route 180 near the city of Kerman.

Prosecutors said Deoca crossed double-yellow lines and slammed head-on into a vehicle driven by Sandy Orellana-Mendoza, 20, of Mendota. Four female passengers, ranging in age from 14 to 22, were seriously injured.

Related Story: Fresno Man Arrested in Armed Robbery After Search Warrant Executed

Orellana-Mendoza died at the scene.

An investigation by the California Highway Patrol determined that Deoca was severely impaired, prosecutors said. Blood tests later showed a substantial amount of marijuana in his system at the time of the crash.

The sentence was handed down by Fresno County Superior Court Judge Gabriel Brickey.

Related Story: Fresno County Authorities Need Help Finding Family of Alejandro Solis

In a statement, the District Attorney’s Office thanked CHP investigators and reminded the public that driving under the influence includes not only alcohol but drugs — prescription or illegal — as well.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.