DDN – The guy who killed three ladies in Arizona while driving intoxicated will serve 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of second-degree murder, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Two of the women were from Clarkston, a hamlet in eastern Washington.

The ladies, Abriauna Hoffman and Magdalyn “Maggie” Ogden, both 18, from Clarkston, and their Grand Canyon University suitemate Hunter Balberdi, 19, of Wailuku, Hawaii, died on October 10, 2022.

The party was on their way to see the sunrise at the Grand Canyon for Ogden’s birthday when they were hit by Vincent Ian Acosta’s SUV near Table Mesa Road north of Phoenix, Arizona, according to prior accounts from the Lewiston Tribune. Acosta drove the wrong way and collided with multiple automobiles.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, two of the ladies were pronounced dead on the site, while another died later at a Phoenix-area hospital.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said that Acosta’s blood alcohol level was higher than the legal limit.

The punishment was handed down on Friday by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sam Myers in Arizona, after the original judge, Pamela Dunne, recused herself months earlier after reading more than 200 pages of letters from the victims’ families and friends.

Dunne stated at a status hearing on September 26, 2024, that she was no longer willing to accept Acosta’s plea agreement, which she no longer believed was appropriate. Myers’ plea deal remained in effect.

Maggie Ogden’s mother, Samantha Ogden, stated that Myers was moved by the letters from the victims’ families and friends, many of whom were from Clarkston.

“We are extremely grateful that so many people took the time and effort to write,” Samantha Ogden wrote. “The killing of these girls has far-reaching consequences beyond our immediate family. Our entire town was struck by numerous catastrophes in the fall of 2022. Nobody could be unaffected.”

She expressed relief that she would not have to spend any more time in court.

It was heartbreaking to relive our girls’ lives. It was quite tough to communicate with (Acosta’s) family and him,” she stated. “He has lots of days ahead to focus on what he has done and what he can do.”

Eric Crocker, Acosta’s attorney, said the accident was tragic and that his client was deeply sorry for the sorrow he had caused.

Despite frustrations from the victims’ families about the length of the imprisonment, Crocker said Acosta chose to accept responsibility early on.

“My client was regretful and eager to resolve the situation. It was his decision to accept the plea,” Crocker stated. “He thought it was important.”

Samantha Ogden also says Arizona needs more protections against wrong-way driving.

“The highways in Arizona continue to frequently have wrong-way drivers,” she complained. “(Acosta) drove for 15 miles the wrong way, endangering many lives, harming a few and killing three girls.”

Reference: Man sentenced for crash that killed 3 women, 2 from Washington state