Judge Richard Trujillo rejected arguments for a change in the plea agreement of Manuel Contreras-Galdean. Last fall, he plead guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault after causing an accident that killed Kelly Tracy who attended Highland HS, in Gilbert.
Contreras-Galdean was driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.192 - which is twice the legal limit, when he hit the car Kelly and her brother Matthew were in.
He was attempting to back out of the plea deal after requesting a new attorney. He claims to have had severe communication problems with the original attorney whom he claims, pressured him into accepting the plea. That request was rejected because there was no legal or factual basis.
Kelly Tracy and her brother Matthew were on their way to a band performance in the Gilbert Days Parade on November 15th 2008, when the accident occurred.
Contreras-Galdean is on an immigration hold in a Maricopa County Jail, while prosecutors are seeking 14-16 years in prison as part of the plea agreement.
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Comments
My heart goes out to the Tracy family. The media coverage over the legal garbage can't be easy, and for that I am sorry as well. I am hoping that the Tracy family is as healed as possible given the sadness they endure.
Best Wishes,
Tracy Lynn Cook
Examiner.com
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