BROWNSVILLE — A jury has sentenced Taylor Nicole Ramirez to five years in prison after finding her guilty of intoxication manslaughter in the death of motorcyclist David Salinas.
Ramirez struck Salinas with her car on Loop 499 and Grimes Road in Harlingen on August 30 of last year. She faced up to 20 years in prison.
Cameron County District Attorney Luis Saenz was disappointed with the sentencing.
“While we commend the jury for doing the right thing in finding Taylor Nicole Ramirez guilty as charged, we are extremely disappointed with their sentence of five years. I believe it send the wrong message to the public that juries in Cameron County are not serious about fatalities caused by drunk drivers.
Blood alcohol tests show both Ramirez and Salinas were intoxicated, according to testimony. Ramirez tested at 0.24 and Salinas at 0.18 blood alcohol levels.
Ramirez, 24, was driving a white 2015 Honda Accord when she struck Salinas, 29, as he was riding his yellow Kawasaki motorcycle and stopped at the intersection, police said.
