A Ventura County man, Jacob Anthony Caliboso, 25, has been sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison for a tragic DUI crash that occurred four years ago.
This fatal incident claimed the lives of a grandmother, Elva Andrade, and her 7-year-old granddaughter, Nevaeh Gomez, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
The crash happened on June 22, 2020, on Pleasant Valley Road. Caliboso was driving westbound under the influence of Xanax and marijuana.
According to authorities, he crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with Andrade and Gomez, who were on a motorcycle. Prosecutors noted that Caliboso was speeding and never activated his brakes before the collision.
Elva Andrade died instantly at the scene. Tragically, Nevaeh Gomez succumbed to her injuries a day later at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. The deaths of Andrade and Gomez have left their family and the community in deep mourning.
On the day of the crash, Caliboso posted nearly a dozen photos and videos of his drug use on Snapchat. Investigators from the California Highway Patrol obtained over 1,000 Snapchat videos and photos showing Caliboso using drugs and driving in the weeks leading up to the incident.
According to the source, these materials were presented to the jury during his trial, highlighting his reckless behavior.
During the sentencing, seven members of Andrade’s and Gomez’s family gave emotional impact statements. They shared their grief and the profound loss they have endured. Their words underscored the irreversible damage caused by Caliboso’s actions.
Caliboso was convicted by a jury on April 30. Judge Paul Feldman sentenced him to the maximum penalty allowed by law—30 years to life in prison. Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Leija, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the necessity of this severe sentence.
“The defendant’s callous conduct took the lives of two innocent people, and he deserved the maximum sentence,” Leija said. She expressed hope that the sentence would bring a sense of justice and closure to the victims’ families.
The community’s reaction to the sentencing has been mixed, with many expressing relief that justice has been served, while others continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.
The case has sparked discussions on the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of stringent penalties for such reckless actions.
The tragic deaths of Elva Andrade and Nevaeh Gomez serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. This case highlights the need for ongoing efforts to educate the public about the dangers of DUI and to enforce strict laws to prevent such tragedies.
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