A drunk driver who drove at 87 mph in a residential area in Crown Point killing a woman and critically injuring her boyfriend was sentenced on Nov. 22 to 21 years to life in state prison.

There were tears shed in the packed courtroom on behalf of Vanessa Urbina-Aragonez, 22, but also from the family of Nestor Alejandro Hernandez, 24, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and driving under the influence of alcohol.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring imposed the maximum sentence sought by Deputy District Attorney Spencer Sharpe, which included a 6-year term for injuries to the boyfriend, Brian Armenta, 26, to run consecutive to the 15 years to life term for murder.

Sharpe said the speed limit was 25 mph and Hernandez’s Toyota Tacoma jumped the curb in the 3400 block of Riviera Drive of Pacific Beach on Jan. 22, 2023, at 1:30 a.m. Sharpe said the vehicle was “out of control before the collision” with the parked Chevrolet Tahoe, which had a flat tire and the couple was standing in front of it while waiting for a rideshare.

The prosecutor said the crime was elevated to murder because Hernandez was convicted of felony drunk driving in 2016. While on probation, Hernandez was told he could be charged with murder if he killed someone while drinking and driving, added Sharpe.

The woman’s mother, Estela Aragonez, sobbed as she described her daughter as “a beautiful girl inside and out,” adding “She will always be in my heart and prayers.” Vanessa had hoped to become a nurse.

“I’m tired of missing her. I’m in so much pain,” said Aragonez, saying she thought of her daughter’s death daily. “She was in college, waiting for opportunity.”

Armenta told the judge he had nine surgeries to recover from his injuries. which included his pelvis and knee and he “was helpless and in a wheelchair” for many months as the Tahoe fell on top of him.

“Every day was a struggle. I feel like an old man,” said Armenta. “One moment we were talking about our future and the next moment I found out she wasn’t alive.”

“She was beautiful, funny, smart and she knew how to light up a room,” said Armenta.

Speaking to the judge, Armenta said, “I hope he gets 20, 21 years. I hope they throw away the key.”

A cousin of Vanessa named Candy spoke from a computer online and said this to Hernandez: “I hope you learned your lesson. I pray hard for you.”

Speaking from a glass module in the courtroom, Hernandez said, “I want to say I’m sorry to the family. I’m sorry to my family as well.

“Something I did took a life and I live with that every day. I can’t change what happened,” said Hernandez. “Who knows when I’m coming home?”

His attorney, Jamahl Kersey, told Moring his client was a youth group leader in his church before the crash. “He continues to be a light in a dark place and carries a Bible around (in jail).

“He has taken responsibility. He pleaded guilty to all counts to spare the victim’s family of trial,” said Kersey, who asked the judge not to impose a consecutive term for Armenta’s injuries.

“I believe Nestor is a good person – one of my best employees,” said Travis Raymer. “He made a terrible, dreadful mistake.”

Kersey said Hernandez had worked in construction for five years. The judge read through a number of good character letters on his behalf. Kersey also said the street lighting conditions were poor, and there was no moonlight.

“We’re never going to understand why things happen in this world. We pray for this family the whole time,” said Alex Hernandez, Nestor’s father. “Nestor made a mistake. I’m sorry.”

The judge told Nestor Hernandez that “it’s obvious you decided to do a lot of drinking” that night because he “memorialized it with a photo” of alcohol bottles on his cellphone. Police found an empty tequila bottle in the car and his blood/alcohol level was .16, which is twice the limit for felony drunk driving.

“I’m not here to judge you as a good person or a bad person,” said Moring, but added he does want to “send a message” to the community about “real world consequences” of drinking and driving.

Moring ordered Hernandez to pay $9,543 towards Vanessa’s funeral expenses and fined him $5,280. He gave him credit for serving 671 days in jail.