Sons of woman killed in DWI crash express rage, sorrow in court

Men testify in intoxication slaughter trial of Kaleb Fajardo

SAN ANTONIO – The final state's witness in the intoxication manslaughter trial of Kaleb Fajardo broke down in tears Tuesday as he spoke of his late mother.

Sylvana Sandoval, 61, died two days after she was critically injured in a crash involving her minivan and a pickup truck driven by Fajardo the night of Feb. 26, 2016.

"That smile will stay with me is what I remember most about mom, because that's, that's my mom," Javier Sandoval, the victim's son, testified in halting sobs.

Javier Sandoval told the jury how, after consulting with family members, he made the decision to discontinue life support for his mother.

"That was by far the hardest decision I had to make at that point in my life, and still is," he said.

Javier Sandoval's younger brother, Andres, also testified in the punishment phase of Fajardo's trial.

Andres Sandoval said he, too, was filled with sorrow -- and anger.

"It's filled me with rage, honestly," he told the jury. "Because this shouldn't have happened."

Fajardo's blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit and he was driving 70 mph in a 30 mph before the crash  in the 200 block of Rector Street, prosecutors said.

A jury found Fajardo guilty of intoxication manslaughter after just one hour of deliberation.

He could face a maximum of 20 years in prison. 


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.