Man Receives Prison Sentence Following Deadly DUI Crash

Michael Kelley, a repeat DUI offender, received a 36-year life sentence for a deadly crash that devastated a family.

At a Glance

Michael Kelley pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder.
The crash on I-80 in November 2021 killed four members of the Montano family.
Kelley’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
Only the Montanos’ 4-year-old child survived with multiple injuries.
The sentence was based on California’s “implied malice” law for repeat DUI offenders.

Deadly DUI Crash Claims Four Lives

On November 20, 2021, a catastrophic crash on Interstate 80 near Truckee, California, resulted in the deaths of four members of the Montano family. Michael Kelley, 34, was driving under the influence when he collided with the Montanos’ vehicle. Antonio and Brittney Montano, both 29, along with their 9-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, were killed in the incident. The couple’s youngest child, aged 4 at the time, was injured but ultimately lived. The child was the only survivor in the family’s vehicle.

Kelley, who had a previous DUI conviction, was found to have a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. The driver of a third vehicle involved in the collision also survived the incident.

Nearly three years after the tragic event, Michael Kelley pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree murder in May. The Sacramento County Superior Court sentenced him to 36 years to life in prison.

Antelope man sentenced for deadly DUI crash that killed 4 people https://t.co/KdRs4fDC8w

— ABC10 (@ABC10) September 24, 2024

The Aftermath and Impact

The crash’s impact extends far beyond the immediate loss of life. The surviving Montano child, now orphaned, faced a challenging future. In the aftermath of the tragedy, family members stepped up to provide care and support. An uncle and his wife agreed to care for him in the absence of his immediate family members.

This case underscores the devastating consequences of drunk driving and strict enforcement and sentencing for DUI offenses. It serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle and the potential for irreversible harm when that responsibility is neglected.

Awareness and Prevention

As this case demonstrates, the decision to drive under the influence can have life-altering consequences not only for the offender but for innocent victims as well. It serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible behavior and the collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies from occurring.