UPDATE: The sentence for Sandy Nicole Deleon, a Lake Charles woman convicted of vehicular homicide, has been vacated for a second time, raising significant questions about her legal standing. This urgent development comes as the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeal determined that key aspects of her sentencing were improperly handled.
On March 17, 2019, Deleon was involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 10 that killed her unrestrained passenger, Ricky Broussard. Reports from the Louisiana State Police revealed that Deleon, driving a Dodge Charger, rear-ended a Ford pickup truck after the latter hit its brakes. Broussard was ejected from the vehicle, prompting a police investigation which indicated Deleon’s high blood alcohol content of .192 at the time of the incident.
Initially sentenced on February 7, 2022, Deleon received a 30-year prison term with 15 years suspended, alongside a range of penalties including $2,000 in fines and community service. However, she filed an appeal, contending that the requirements for her community service were vague and lacked clarity.
The 3rd Circuit Court sided with Deleon, vacating her sentence back to the trial court, stating that the community service requirements were not sufficiently specified. Upon resentencing, her community service was reduced to 300 hours with stricter guidelines on DWI prevention outreach.
Following this, Deleon appealed again, asserting that her military service, absence of prior offenses, and expressed remorse were not adequately considered. The court recognized that while electronic monitoring could be imposed, the trial court must specify the conditions, leading to another vacating of her sentence.
This unfolding case has garnered significant public interest due to its implications for judicial discretion in sentencing and the treatment of offenders. The emotional toll on the families involved is profound, with Broussard’s family still grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.
As the legal saga continues, all eyes are on the trial court for the next steps in Deleon’s case. The community is urged to stay vigilant as further developments are anticipated shortly. This case highlights critical issues surrounding accountability and the judicial process, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
