Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, the semi-truck driver involved in the 2019 I-70 crash that killed four people, is now asking to be released on parole. The case made headlines when Governor Jared Polis commuted his sentence from 110 years to 10 years, making him eligible for parole. During the trial, Aguilera-Mederos testified that his brakes failed, but prosecutors argued he was speeding and drove past a runaway truck ramp before hitting stopped traffic. At his parole hearing, he spoke about the victims and the impact of the crash, saying, ‘The brakes went out, so I try to avoid the traffic, you know, not to hurt nobody. Unfortunately, the traffic was stopped, and four people lost their lives. I feel bad about it. I feel sorry, sad. I would have preferred God taking me instead of them.’ He also mentioned praying daily and hoping for forgiveness from those affected. The parole board is considering factors like the severity of the crime, his conduct in prison, participation in rehabilitation programs, and his release plan. Aguilera-Mederos told the board he wouldn’t return to prison if granted parole, saying, ‘I’m going to make sure that you don’t regret your choice if I’m granted parole. I’m not coming back to prison. I feel like I don’t belong here.’ The case has been referred to the full parole board for review, and at least four of the seven members must vote in favor for his release.
