COLORADO — The truck driver whose 110-year sentence for a deadly 2019 Interstate 70 crash drew national outrage and was ultimately commuted to 10 years by the governor is now seeking parole, telling the board he prays daily for forgiveness and has no intention of returning to prison.
Rogel Aguilera-Mederos appeared before the parole board this week. The case has been referred to the full seven-member board for review, where at least four members must vote in favor for him to be released. He will officially be eligible for parole at the end of December.
The Crash
In May 2019, Aguilera-Mederos was driving a semi-truck westbound on I-70 in Jefferson County when he lost control on a steep downgrade and plowed into stopped traffic, killing four people and injuring several others. At trial he testified that his brakes had failed. Prosecutors argued he had been speeding and bypassed a runaway truck ramp before the crash.
The Sentence and Commutation
A Jefferson County judge sentenced Aguilera-Mederos to 110 years — the mandatory minimum given the number of charges filed and the legal requirement that sentences be served consecutively. The judge noted at the time that his hands were tied by the law. The sentence drew widespread attention and public outcry, with many arguing it was disproportionate given the circumstances.
In December 2021 Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence to 10 years, making Aguilera-Mederos eligible for parole on December 30, 2026.
The Parole Hearing
At his parole hearing, Aguilera-Mederos spoke about the victims and the weight he carries from the crash.
“The brakes went out, so I try to avoid the traffic, you know, not to hurt nobody,” he said. “Unfortunately, the traffic was stopped, and four people lost their lives. I feel bad about it. I feel sorry, sad. I would have preferred God taking me instead of them.”
He said he prays every day and hopes one day to speak directly with those affected. “I would like to be forgiven by everyone involved in this trial. I would like to talk to them one day and let them know how I feel.”
He also addressed the board directly about his future. “I’m going to make sure that you don’t regret your choice if I’m granted parole. I’m not coming back to prison. I feel like I don’t belong here.”
The parole board is weighing the severity of the crime, his conduct while incarcerated, participation in rehabilitation and treatment programs, and his release plan. CBS Colorado reached out to victims and family members for comment but did not receive a response.
All defendants are presumed innocent of any additional charges until proven guilty in a court of law.
Interviews courtesy of CBS Colorado.
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