Samantha Miranda Maestas, DOB: 12-8-89, appeared today in Jefferson County District Court where she was sentenced in the vehicular homicide death of her
two-year-old daughter, Sophia Avila, in August, 2018.
District Court Judge Margie Enquist sentenced Maestas to three years probation and three years in the jail work release program. Prosecutors asked for a prison sentence commensurate with the choice she made that resulted in the death of Sophia that day.
On Friday, August 10, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., Maestas was driving eastbound on I70 just west of the Genesee exit as she began approaching heavy traffic. She took evasive action to avoid a rear-end collision, over-corrected, and lost control of her car. She then crossed the median, going into the west bound lanes of I70 where she collided with a GMC Sierra.
The toddler was a passenger in the back seat of the car driven by Ms. Maestas. She died from her injuries. The driver and passenger in the GMC Sierra each suffered minor injuries.
Maestas had been using methamphetamine and alcohol in the days leading up to the collision and had taken hydrocodone that day. Small amounts of narcotics and drug paraphernalia were in her car at the time of the crash.
“This is a tragedy that could have been prevented. Sophia died because her mother chose to use drugs before getting behind the wheel”, said DA Pete Weir, “We asked for a prison sentence because we believe that her conduct demands it.”
In June, 2019 Maestas pled guilty to all counts: Vehicular Homicide-DUI (F3); Child Abuse Resulting in Death (F3); Possession of a Controlled Substance (DF4); DUI; two counts of Careless Driving Resulting in Injury(T1); Driving under Restraint; Divided Highway Violation; and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
