A commercial truck driver convicted in July of losing control of his big rig and slamming into several cars, killing a father and his 12-year-old daughter, was sentenced Thursday to seven years, four months in state prison, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Marcos Barbosa Costa, 46, was found guilty of the April 1, 2009, crash in La Canada Flintridge that killed Angelina Posca and her father, Angel Posca, 58, both of Palmdale. He was found guilty of two counts each of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter, as well as reckless driving causing injury that injured three people.
Witnesses testified Costa ignored warnings from an off-duty firefighter who pulled him over and said smoke was billowing from his brakes and warned him the road was worse going down.
By the time the truck reached Foothill Boulevard at Angeles Crest Highway, the brakes appeared to have failed as the truck ran a red light and slammed into the Posca’s red Ford, dragging it 150 feet. The truck struck six more vehicles before slamming into a bookstore and nail salon.
Deputy District Attorney Carolina Lugo prosecuted the case.
Pasadena Superior Court Judge Darrell Mavis also ordered Costa to pay $87,204 to a victim’s restitution fund, and $23,762 to the city of La Canada Flintridge. Costa, who had remained free on bail following the July 29 verdict, was taken into immediate custody after sentencing.
Statements from Posca family members were read before Costa was sentenced.
K. Lundy says
RIP little Angelina Posca