ARVADA, Colo. — Twenty-three-year-old Juan Ortega Torres Jr. will spend the next 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts in a crash that killed an Arvada father and composer — a sentence that the victim's wife hopes will give Torres time to reflect and change.
Torres was intoxicated and speeding on Feb. 5 when police say he ran a red light, crashing into Kresten Wolff’s car.
Wolff was killed, and his two children had to be hospitalized for their injuries.
Wolff’s wife Alicia says Torres addressed the family at the sentencing earlier this month.
Wolff said her husband has a unique ability to bring out the best in people around him, and she’s hoping Torres takes this time in prison to reflect on what happened and find ways to help others after being released.
“He’s young. He has time to grow. And what are the best movies that are inspirational where someone hasn’t hit rock bottom?” said Wolff. “I truly want him, from the bottom of my heart, to experience a good life.”
She said she’s started learning the accordion, her husband’s favorite instrument, and is hoping his music will live on within the community.
“It doesn’t sound good, but I’m trying to do it because our family needs that,” she said. “We need to keep him with us.”
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