Driver In Hit & Run Near Coors Field Learns His Fate
DENVER (CBS4) - It was an emotional day in court as the driver in a hit-and-run near Coors Field learned his fate on Monday.
Brandon Mondragon fled after hitting two people in a crosswalk on 20th Street 6 months ago. One of the victim's, Timothy Albo, was in a coma for nearly two weeks and has permanent injuries. The other victim, Heather Corman, has recovered from her injuries.
The families on both sides of the case said nobody wins. The Albos said they got just a little bit of closure.
Mondragon walked into the courtroom with a sheet of paper covering his face. Inside he told the court that he had not been drinking the night of the accident. For the first time he apologized to the victims' families. He reached out to adjust his radio when his window shattered. He thought someone had thrown something at his car, and he drove on. Police found his car 10 days later.
Timothy Albo was in a coma for 13 days. In court six family members testified that despite his recovery, they fear he'll never be the same and Mondragon's apology was falling on some deaf ears.
"It just still makes me angry because he left my brother there to die. Hopefully his rehabilitation will help with it, but it doesn't make me feel any different to be honest," Timothy Albo's sister Jennifer Albo said.
"Sincerity wasn't there as he spoke. I don't think if he had never been caught I don't think he would have turned himself in; and never really cared about my brother Tim or Heather." Timothy Albo's brother Rodney Albo said.
"I take issue with that. I think he has and he's very sorry about that. What can he say? People have been terribly injured." Mondragon's Attorney Pete Cordova said.
Mondragon left the courtroom in handcuffs. He'll serve 6 months work release at the Denver County Jail, 4 years of probation, and 300 hours of community service. He'll also be monitored for drugs and alcohol and pay nearly $12,000 to the victim's compensation fund.
Corman said she's moving on with her life. She wishes him the best but says Mondragon's life will never be the same and it will be on his conscience forever.
The Albo family is now pushing to get stricter penalties for hit-and-run drivers.
