‘This is my son’: Mother pleads for maximum sentence in fatal DUI case

A mother's plea for the maximum penalty preceded the sentencing of Eric Villazana, 33, to 12 to 40 years in prison for a fatal DUI crash last November. District Judge Tara Clark Newberry imposed the sentence after Villazana pleaded guilty to reckless driving, failing to stop at the scene of a crash, and DUI resulting in death.

Leah Ibale held a photo of her son, Abraham Ibale, as she addressed the court. She described her son as a dedicated public servant and TSA supervisor at Harry Reid International Airport who did not drink or smoke. "My son did not drink. He did not smoke. He led his crew with a level of kindness and generosity that made him deeply loved by everyone who worked under his command," she said. She told the judge she has struggled with loneliness and sleepless nights since his death.

Prosecutor Sammy Lamb said Villazana had at least eight alcoholic drinks at a North Las Vegas tavern before the early morning crash on Nov. 29. Villazana was making a left turn from Tropicana Avenue onto Mountain Vista Street when he failed to yield and struck Abraham Ibale on his motorcycle, killing him at the scene. Villazana fled and was arrested at an apartment complex less than two miles away. "It is unacceptable to make that choice and to allow people on the road to be at risk because you chose not to get some other arrangement home," Lamb said.

Defense attorney Michael Becker asked for mercy, noting Villazana had no criminal history and supported his family financially. "This is not a situation involving a callous man who just left someone to die," Becker said. Villazana apologized to Leah Ibale and her two other children, Darrel and Abigail, saying, "I know I'm not in a position to ask for forgiveness, but believe me when I say that I'm truly sorry for my actions. I can't bring back Mr. Ibale, but if there was a chance for me to switch places, I would."

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal