TAMPA, Fla. - Former international fugitive Christopher Ponce was sentenced Friday for a deadly wreck in Tampa nearly six years ago.
Ponce slammed into William Angel's car while driving the wrong way on Interstate 275 in July 2012.
Ponce was sentenced to 15 years in prison for DUI manslaughter and 10 years probation for DUI with serious bodily injury for the two other victims injured in the July 2012 crash. His license has been permanently revoked.
William Angel was killed and his two passengers were hurt.
“When you killed William you killed me. I am not the same man I was then," William's dad, Wade, said.
“You are the nightmare every parent prays that their loved one doesn’t cross paths with," William's mom, Lynn, added.
After his arrest, Ponce cut his ankle monitor and ran.
Police in Spain caught him last year.
The warrant didn't list charges for tampering with his ankle bracelet and not showing up in court.
Ponce's attorney told her that his client is remorseful.
Ponce faced William's family in court. Lynn acknowledged Ponce with, “I can’t forgive you for now. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to but I know I have to."
After he was sentenced for manslaughter, Ponce addressed the victim's family with, "I will never have enough words. I’m sorry I took your son from you. I’m sorry anyone was hurt. I’m sorry it wasn’t me.”
Ponce's mother, Vivian Medina, was in attendance at the court hearing. Medina spoke to the victim's family as well, saying, "I’m very sorry for the loss of your son. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to be you. You are the first person I thought of when this accident happened. When I knew my son was in the hospital, you were the first person I thought of. "
Angel's mom and dad addressed Ponce after the sentencing with, “When you’re in court facing a judge it’s easy to say I’m sorry," and, “It’s still difficult because it comes so late.”
Moving forward Williams parents say they plan to focus their energy on keeping his memory alive, sharing their story to reiterate the dangers of drunk driving and the heartbreak they’ve endured.
On top of the prison time and probation, Ponce must serve 100 hours of community service, pay a $2,000 fine, and will be charged $150 for the cost of prosecution.
He also may never apply for a driver's license in any state. He also can't have alcohol or go to a business that serves it.
He has to serve at least four years of his 15-year sentence, but will get credit for time served.
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