Mary Ann DeLazzer of Bradenton was 77 years old when she died last year, the day after Thanksgiving. The manager of the Our Daily Bread soup kitchen, DeLazzer was on her way to work just after 6 a.m. that morning, when 21-year-old woman Julissa Martinez’s car struck the back of DeLazzer’s vehicle on State Road 70 at 30th Street East, in front of Wal-Mart, in Bradenton.

Martinez pleaded guilty to the DUI manslaughter this week in a Manatee County Circuit courtroom. She will be sentenced on January 29. Martinez faces a mandatory minimum of four years in prison, but under Florida sentencing guidelines she should be sentenced to just more than 10 years. The maximum sentence is 15 years.

DeLazzer’s car apparently burst into flames upon impact. Two bystanders pulled her from her vehicle, but Florida Highway Patrol reports indicates the impact of the crash killed her instantly.

Martinez had a .18 blood alcohol level on a breath test. Intoxication is presumed at .08 blood alcohol level. Her DUI defense attorney indicated that she was very remorseful and pleaded guilty because she did not want to put anyone involved through a trial. DeLazzer’s grown children were in court for the guilty plea and intend to be present for sentencing as well.

DUI, Felonies

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 11:32 pm and is filed under Florida Criminal Law News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.