The driver who struck and killed William Tenorio of San Felipe Pueblo was sentenced to seven years after reaching a plea deal in a controversial case.

Carlos Fierro, 36, an attorney and lobbyist who has worked on Indian issues, agreed not to seek a new trial or appeal his guilty conviction on a vehicular homicide charge. In exchange, he could get out of prison in three years.

"We're relieved," Rose Tenorio, William Tenorio's mother, told The Santa Fe New Mexican. "That's a good word for it."

Fierro struck Tenorio, 46, in the early morning hours of November 26, 2008. He admitted he was driving drunk but his defense tried to place some blame on Tenorio for the accident.

The case has attracted significant media and public interest. At one point, Fierro tried to move the trial to a county with a higher Indian and Hispanic population but his request was denied.

The passenger in the car, Alfred Lovato, faces similar charges for Tenorio's death. Lovato was a former state police officer who worked the security detail for Gov. Bill Richardson (D), who was interviewed as part of the case.

Tenorio was a well-liked DJ and a volunteer coach at Santa Fe Indian School.

Get the Story:
Fierro sentenced to seven years, could get out in three (The Santa Fe New Mexican 11/14)
Fierro Gets Seven Years (The Albuquerque Journal 11/14)

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