DENVER, COLORADO — The Colorado parole board has denied parole for Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, the truck driver whose 2019 brake failure crash on Interstate 70 killed four people and drew national attention when he was originally sentenced to 110 years in prison.
The board denied his request on October 16, according to Univision Colorado. No reason for the denial has been given. His next parole hearing is scheduled for September 2027. Without parole, his current release date is expected in December 2029.
The Case
Aguilera-Mederos was sentenced to 110 years for the 2019 crash. Prosecutors argued that he was speeding and bypassed a runaway truck ramp just before the crash. The sentence came from the number of charges filed against him, mandatory minimum sentencing laws, and a legal requirement that the sentences be served consecutively. The length of the sentence set off a national outcry, and in December 2021 Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted it to 10 years.
His parole eligibility date was set for the end of December 2026, and he formally sought parole this month.
The Hearing
Aguilera-Mederos told the board he was sorry for 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. I pray every day. 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 told the board he did not belong in prison and would not return if released. “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.”
In deciding on parole, the board weighs the severity of the crime, behavior while incarcerated, participation in rehabilitation and treatment programs, and the release plan.
Interviews courtesy of CBS Colorado.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
