St. Louis, MO – A Missouri man was sentenced to 21 years in prison for causing a tragic crash that claimed the lives of a mother and daughter leaving a Drake concert last year. Monte Henderson, 23, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action after driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone while intoxicated.
The Fatal Crash
In the early hours of February 14, 2024, Henderson was driving recklessly through downtown St. Louis, running several red lights while weaving in and out of traffic. According to authorities, he crashed into another vehicle, which then slammed into 42-year-old Laticha Liz Bracero and her 21-year-old daughter Alyssa Angel Cordova, who were crossing the street on foot. Both women were leaving the concert and returning to their hotel when the devastating accident occurred.
Henderson only applied the brakes two seconds before impact, but it was too late. Police later found that his blood alcohol level was 0.194, more than twice the legal limit for intoxication.
Victim Impact and Sentencing
The victims, Bracero and Cordova, had traveled from Chicago to enjoy the concert and were described as inseparable by their family and friends. An obituary for the mother and daughter said they shared a “strong bond” and were known for their infectious smiles and laughter. The family expressed deep sorrow over their loss.
In a victim impact statement, Bracero’s sister spoke about Henderson’s lack of remorse. She described him as “irresponsible” for driving under the influence and emphasized that he needed to face the consequences of his actions. “He needs to sit in jail and stare at a wall and think about what he has done,” the statement read. “He is an extremely selfish person and doesn’t belong on the streets.”
Henderson’s Background and the Sentencing
Despite his role in the tragedy, Henderson’s mother wrote a letter to the judge describing her son as “not a monster” and claiming that the media had unfairly portrayed him. However, prosecutors maintained that the crash was a result of reckless driving and intoxication, which are destructive forces in society. They stressed the need for harsh punishment for those who engage in dangerous driving.
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore expressed his hope that the sentencing would offer some solace to the families affected by the crash. “Reckless driving destroys lives,” Gore said in a statement. “At 70 miles per hour, a car becomes a weapon, and the impact reaches far beyond the crash itself. Nothing can make this right, but this sentence hopefully delivers some solace to the loved ones of Laticha Bracero and Alyssa Cordova.”
Closing Thoughts
The tragic deaths of Laticha Bracero and Alyssa Cordova serve as a painful reminder of the consequences of impaired and reckless driving. As the community continues to mourn, the sentence handed down to Henderson underscores the seriousness of these offenses and the far-reaching impact they have on victims and their families.
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