The meth dealer that was responsible for the death of Roberta Torres as he ran from federal drug agents was sentenced, so to speak, today. Over two years ago Lonnie Dean ran a stop sign as he ran from undercover agents in Belen.
Dean slammed into Roberta’s side of the car killing her, the passenger survived. Roberta’s death devastated her family. I knew Roberta, she was a sweet lady as is her sister and daughter.
Roberta’s sister, Juanita Apodaca, addressed the court at Dean’s sentencing.
“Can you believe I’ve finally realized that she’s gone since she has not called me and asked me what is for lunch,” Juanita said. “I know you may think that is silly, but just the simple task of not being able to hear her voice on the phone hurts me so much.”
She also stated that Dean would be held accountable for his “senseless and ignorant” choices that day. Why would she say that?
Because Lonnie Dean only received 10 years for the death of Roberta Torres. He was given 20 years for dealing meth, and the 10 years for killing Roberta will be served at the same time he serves the 20. This is due to a plea agreement Dean made.
Life is more precious than this, justice has been denied the Torres family because the courts in the state of New Mexico do not value the life of average people.
As I taught Isaiah chapter 10 tonight, I thought of Roberta and her family. The first two verses stood out.
“Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees,
Who write misfortune,
Which they have prescribed
To rob the needy of justice,
And to take what is right from the poor of My people,
That widows may be their prey,
And that they may rob the fatherless.” Isaiah 10:1-2
