Former soldier gets 10-year probation sentence for intoxicated manslaughter
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A former Fort Bliss soldier convicted of causing the death of a man after a drunken driving crash three years ago was sentenced to 10 years probation.
Ivan Romo learned his sentence Thursday in the 243 District Court, according to court records.
Romo, 30, was convicted Wednesday of intoxicated manslaughter.
He was accused of killing Celso Garcia, 38, in January 2020.
El Paso police said Romo ran a red light at the intersection of Raynor St. and Yandell Dr.
Romo struck two cars and a motorcycle ridden by Garcia. Garcia died from his injuries.
According to a police affidavit obtained by ABC-7, Romo's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. He also reportedly admitted to police he had been drinking at the bar Honest Abe’s on Airport Blvd.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission had told ABC-7 it was "investigating to determine whether the business improperly provided alcohol in a manner that could have contributed to the fatal accident."
Romo's attorney Leonard Morales commented on the decision, saying, "I believe the jury really considered all the facts and circumstances. In the end, it was a tough decision, as any death case, but they did what they thought was right."
