After a crash on U.S. 395 Alternate, better known as Old Virginia or Old 395, claimed the life of a cyclist and seriously injured another last October, an 18-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for driving under the influence.
18-year-old Jeffrey Acosta was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison with parole eligibility after seven years for DUI resulting in death and a consecutive five-year sentence with parole eligibility after two years for DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm. He will be eligible for parole after nine years.
The case stems from an October crash last year on U.S. 395A near Rawhide Drive. Troopers responded to a crash involving a car and bicycles, where they found multiple bicycles on the shoulder and the body of 62-year-old Susan Goodenow covered by a blanket.
Investigators learned Goodenow and her family were riding southbound in the bike lane when Acosta crossed the center line while traveling in the opposite direction and hit Goodenow and her husband. Goodenow died from her injuries, and her husband suffered significant injuries.
While speaking with troopers, Acosta appeared to be under the influence and admitted to having smoked marijuana recently.
During the sentencing hearing, Chief Deputy District Attorney Amos Stege asked the court to consider the reckless, violent nature of the crime, the effect on the victims who witnessed the killing, and the danger to recreational cyclists throughout the area.
Goodenow's family described her lifelong love of cycling, her gifts as a musician and music teacher, and said she was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
