Woman forgives drunk driver that changed her life
This is a story of redemption and forgiveness.
George Adrian Espinoza pleaded guilty Thursday to driving drunk and severely injuring Jessica Castaneda.
His decision changed both of their lives. Espinoza was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The judge gave Castaneda permission to speak with Espinoza.
It was an emotional conversation and several people walked away in tears.
“I didn’t know what to expect whatsoever. Since my accident I’ve never looked back on that day,” said Castaneda.
Castaneda’s life changed on June 2, 2014.
Castaneda and her boyfriend, Joshua Lara, pulled over to fix a flat tire. As they were changing the tire, Espinoza crashed into to Castaneda, Lara and Lara’s brother.
“I remember every detail. It haunts me,” said Joshua Lara.
The impact knocked them unconscious. Lara was the first to regain consciousness.
“I saw her leg right next to mine. I saw meat and blood coming out of her leg,” said Lara.
Castaneda lost both her legs. She cried in court as she watched Espinoza, also crying, plead guilty.
“When they were sentencing him my heart went numb,” said Castaneda.
Castaneda was allowed to speak to Espinoza.
The first words out of her mouth: “I forgive you.”
Espinoza broke down.
“I know he didn’t do it on purpose and it could have been anybody. We just happened to be at that spot where it was too late to turn,” said Castaneda.
Espinoza also had a message for Castaneda. He said he was deeply sorry and although it wouldn’t change anything he would pray for Castaneda and her family.
Castaneda asked the judge if she could shake his hand but she ended up hugging him. They both held each other crying uncontrollably.
“When I hugged him it released everything like I was able to breath. It felt right. It felt like everything was bottled up and everything released,” said Castaneda.
Lara and his brother are also still dealing with their injuries.
Castaneda tells ABC-7 she believes that after Thursday, she can finally begin a new chapter in her life.
