Jorge Barragan: Justice not served in Erickson’s sentencing
On May 8, Bruce Erickson was traveling at over 80 mph when he tried to get off of Highway 99. His blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. His truck struck and crushed Juan Barragan Cervantes’s truck, being driven by his girlfriend, Vanessa Tapetillo. Vanessa and Juan were killed. Erickson was barely hurt.
Before getting off Highway 99, Erickson was involved in a hit-and-run collision and fled because he knew he was drunk. In trying to escape, he killed Vanessa and Juan.
Vanessa leaves a son and daughter; Juan proudly served his country as a Marine for two tours in Iraq.
We are the family members Vanessa and Juan left behind, devastated by their loss.
Vanessa’s children will have nothing but brief memories of a loving mother. Juan will have none of the reward he worked for, risking his life in the service of his country. We will never again have the joy of Vanessa’s and Juan’s love, companionship and support.
We are deeply disappointed in the criminal justice system, which will incarcerate Erickson for, at most, 6 to 12 years. That does not fit the horrible crime he knowingly and intentionally committed, costing the lives of two innocent, delightful young people. Six-to-12 years is not enough time for Erickson to comprehend the tragedy he has visited upon Vanessa, Juan and their loving families.
Jorge Barragan, Merced
This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 5:33 PM with the headline "Jorge Barragan: Justice not served in Erickson’s sentencing."