Share this @internewscast.com

ARAPAHOE COUNTY, Colo. — An Aurora man was convicted Thursday of killing a mother and her 6-year-old daughter in a DUI-related crash in April 2022.

A jury found Juan Pablo Pascual-Licea, 32, guilty of two counts of vehicular homicide – DUI, two counts of vehicular assault – DUI, child abuse – knowingly/ recklessly causing serious bodily injury and child abuse – knowingly/ recklessly causing death.

On April 8, 2022, a mother, father and their two children — a 10-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl — were driving home after celebrating the girl’s birthday when a truck that was traveling in the wrong direction on South Chambers crashed into the family’s SUV near East 6th Ave., according to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

The mother and daughter were pronounced dead at the scene. The father and son were seriously injured but ultimately survived.

The district attorney’s office said Pascual-Licea was driving more than 80 mph when he crashed. He also had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .181 — more than twice the legal limit — nearly an hour after the crash.

“There is no excuse or justification for the defendant’s egregious actions that night,” Senior Deputy DA Doug Bechtel said in a statement. “A father woke up several days later in a hospital bed, only to learn his wife and daughter were dead, and his son would have to learn how to walk again. Their lives are forever changed based on the defendant’s inexcusable behavior to drive drunk.”

Pascual-Licea struck a bicyclist and nearly hit a group of teenagers who were in a crosswalk just before the crash, according to the district attorney’s office.

Following a 3-day trial, the jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching its conclusion.

“In the blink of an eye, a family is torn apart by the selfish actions of someone who chose to drive drunk and endanger multiple lives,” Senior Deputy DA Meghan Gallo said in a statement. “As a mother, I cannot imagine the heartbreak, grief, and devastation this family has suffered. It was a privilege to prosecute this case and bring justice to this family.”

Pascual-Licea’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on February 15, 2024.

“This was a heart-wrenching case and I’m proud of my team’s hard work to find justice for this family,” District Attorney John Kellner said in a statement. “This defendant senselessly killed a sweet little girl coming home from her birthday party and her mother. A long prison sentence is warranted to send a message that we won’t tolerate impaired drivers on our roads.”


D7 follow up bar 2460x400FINAL.png

What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Arrest Made in University Shooting, According to Source

A suspect is in custody and multiple victims have been reported in…

Contract killer gets decades for 4 Philadelphia murders

Share copy link Steven M. Williams (Pennsylvania Attorney General). In Pennsylvania, a…

Louisiana High School Teacher, Coach Charged With ‘Indecent Behavior’ With Juveniles

A Louisiana high school teacher was arrested late Thursday and charged with…

Ohio Megachurch Pastors’ Son Charged With Raping Children

The adult son of the founders and pastors of an Ohio megachurch…

Man who shot girlfriend over paternity of child learns fate

News footage of Vaughn Smith during his sentencing hearing on April 18…

Broomfield man sentenced to life in prison for killing wife after posing as her ex-boyfriend and stalking her

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — A Broomfield man convicted of killing his wife after…

Judge blocks layoffs at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the Oval Office at the…

Menendez Brothers' Resentencing Delayed Again

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Erik and Lyle Menendez’s bid for shorter sentences…

Non-Custodial Dad Abducts 3-Year-Old Girl at Visitation

Police in Washington, D.C., are looking for a 3-year-old girl believed to…

Bus Rider Nearly Decapitated by Hatchet-Wielding Stranger Has Died

A man died on Thursday, nearly two weeks after he was reportedly…

SCOTUS pauses Trump’s plans for more summary deportations

President Donald Trump listens during a swearing in ceremony for Dr. Mehmet…

10 Guards Charged Over Fatal Beating Of New York Inmate, Including 2 With Murder

UTICA, N.Y. (AP) — Ten New York prison guards were charged Wednesday…