Man sentenced to 15 years to live for 2023 Fresno Dui crash, in which the 80-year-old was killed

Fresno, California (KFSN) – On Thursday afternoon, the emotions in a FRESNO trial hall performed and after Shawn Davari had been sentenced to life for 15 years.

Several family members of the victim, 80-year-old Joe Castro, shared emotional statements before the conviction took place this afternoon.

“I went over and said: 'Joe, see you soon' and don't notice that I would last last time that I would see him alive,” said Marty Solis, son -in -law of the victim.

On July 4, 2023, Davari drove under the influence of alcohol and drove a stop sign in Clinton and Armstrong in Fresno and fell against Castro's car.

Castro was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Castro's family says that the injuries, grief and court hearings were an emotional burden.

And when they fought tears during their impact statements, they shared their difficult trip and described the kind of people who was Castro.

“Tio Joe influenced so many lives and made the world a better place,” said Castro's niece.

“My dad Joe was always loved by his nieces and nephew. The holiday of July will never be the same for me,” said Castro's daughter.

Castro's son used his effects to forgive Davari.

“I cannot wear this hatred or hostility, my parents taught me to be a good person and do others what they would have done to them,” said Castro's son Adam.

Davari also shared a few words in court, showed Reue and apologized to Castro's family.

“My decision to drink and drive was selfish and I will live with the memory for the rest of my life,” said Davari.

Castro's family hopes that their story will be a powerful example of other drivers.

“This is just a tragedy and that could happen if people under the influence, very bad and tragic,” said lawyer Tony Capozzi.

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