Mother charged in deadly DWI crash sentenced Wednesday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A mother who pleaded guilty to a DWI crash that left two children dead learned her fate Wednesday.

Alexis Martinez faced up to 32 years in prison. Martinez was driving with Danielle Ortiz and their four children on I-25 near the Big-I in March 2021 when they crashed into a barrier.

The crash killed Martinez’s 7-year-old daughter and Ortiz’s 2-month-old baby boy. The other children suffered serious injuries.

Last month, both women pleaded guilty.

In a tearful statement Wednesday in court, Alexis Martinez said she’s sorry. While she did not shy away from taking accountability, she did say her troubled past put her on a path that ultimately led her to killing two children.

Before she addressed the court, Martinez could be seen shaking.

“I am standing here today not because I wish to avoid punishment or escape accountability. But, rather because I want to demonstrate that I am taking this matter seriously, and doing everything in my power to make things right,” said Martinez. “The guilt and shame that I feel are overwhelming to say.”

Martinez did offer an explanation, she started by saying her drug addicted mother died when she was just eight.

“At age 12 I checked into my first rehab for heroin abuse. At 14, I was pregnant with my first daughter,” Martinez said. “These do not serve as excuses for what happened. Nothing can excuse harming another person.”

On Wednesday, Judge Stan Whitaker sentenced Martinez to 18 years in prison and 5 years probation. Whitaker also ordered her to undergo alcohol abuse treatment and get her GED while on probation.

“Please accept my heartfelt apology for the wrongdoing I have committed,” Martinez said.

Ortiz was also expected to be sentenced Wednesday, but that hearing has been moved to Sept. 25.