Drunk Driver Sentenced to 20 years

September 3, 2010
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(Anderson, SC). Jose Luna-Cobarruvias pled guilty today in Anderson General Sessions Court to one count of Felony DUI resulting in death and two counts of Felony DUI resulting in Great Bodily Injury. The Honorable Lawton McIntosh sentenced him to 20 years on the Felony DUI resulting in death and 15 years on each count of Felony DUI with great bodily injury. All sentences will run concurrently. A detainer has been placed on the defendant, who is in the United States illegally, by the Federal Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) division. The defendant will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.

On May 16, 2009, the defendant was driving on US 29 in Anderson County when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed the center line, hitting another vehicle. Susan and Raymond Sigman were seriously injured. Eighty-five year old Katy Eaton, a passenger in the vehicle, died as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. Cobarruvias’ blood alcohol level at the time of the wreck was .271. 

“This case is another heartbreaking example of the dangers of drinking and driving,” said Solicitor Chrissy Adams. “When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle under the influence, you not only put your life at risk but those of your passengers and everyone else on the road. These types of cases are easily preventable and that is what makes them so tragic. The case of Mr. Cobarruvias, however, is especially tragic because as an illegal alien he should not have even been in this country to begin with.”