Marina
In a verdict delivered recently in St. Louis, a man convicted in crash that killed mother, daughter was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
The tragic collision, following a Drake concert, claimed the lives of Lety Bracero and her daughter Alyssa Cordova. This case has drawn widespread attention for its heartbreaking details, the legal proceedings, and the push for tougher consequences for reckless driving.
The Crash: What Happened
- The crash occurred nearly twenty months ago when the pair were walking away from a Drake concert.
- The driver, Monte Henderson, then aged 23, speeding and under the influence, struck and killed both Bracero and Cordova.
- Henderson later pleaded guilty to multiple charges including two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of armed criminal action.
In court, he admitted to the victims’ families:
“It kills me especially every day when I think about how I caused the death of a mother and daughter … I’ve been praying for them …”
Legal Proceedings & Sentencing
During the sentencing hearing:
- Prosecutors sought 25 years behind bars.
- The defense requested a more lenient term of eight years.
- Ultimately, Henderson was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
- He received seven years for each manslaughter count; the two armed criminal action counts run concurrently.
- The maximum possible sentence in this case could have been 50 years.
During court, Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore emphasized:
“If you drive recklessly in our city and cause harm … we’re going to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
The defense, noting Henderson’s clean record and college achievement, argued that although the crash was extremely reckless, Henderson showed remorse and had no prior criminal history.
Henderson’s attorney also indicated they were still considering whether to appeal the sentence.
Key Facts & Figures
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victims | Lety Bracero (mother) & Alyssa Cordova (daughter) |
| Driver | Monte Henderson, aged 23 at time of crash |
| Charges | 2 counts involuntary manslaughter, 2 counts armed criminal action |
| Sentence | 21 years |
| Sentence Breakdown | 7 years per manslaughter count; armed action served concurrently |
| Prosecutors’ request | 25 years |
| Defense’s request | 8 years |
| Maximum possible | 50 years |
| Time between crash & verdict | ~20 months |
| Remorse statement | Expressed tears, apology, ongoing grief over loss |
Reactions & Aftermath
At the hearing, family members of Bracero and Cordova were visibly emotional, packing the courtroom to hear the verdict. Their cousin, Nicole Rivera, remarked:
“There’s always going to be a bitter taste in our mouth when it comes to St. Louis …”
Outside the courthouse, loved ones revisited the crash scene and released balloons in memory of those lost. Rivera added, “My heart is broken.”
Henderson, amid tears, apologized to the families, acknowledging the weight of his actions. The defense asserted that his lack of prior record and expression of remorse might factor into potential appeal decisions.
Importance & Broader Implications
This case underscores critical issues:
- The grave consequences of drunk driving and speeding.
- The role of judicial accountability in deterring reckless behavior.
- How remorse, criminal history, and sentencing guidelines interact.
- The emotional trauma for victims’ families and communities.
By handing down a substantial sentence, prosecutors and the court intend to send a strong message: reckless driving and impairment behind the wheel will be met with serious legal consequences.
The case of Monte Henderson, convicted in a crash that killed mother and daughter, is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of impaired and reckless driving.
With a 21-year sentence, the justice system has delivered a stern response to this profound loss. Beyond punishment, this case highlights the need for societal vigilance, stronger enforcement, and ongoing awareness about road safety.
The victims’ memories and their families’ pain linger — a sobering legacy that demands change.