CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. — A man has been sentenced to 36 years-to-life in prison for a 2021 drunk driving crash that claimed the lives of four members of a North Highlands family of five.
Michael Kelley, who pleaded guilty to four counts of murder, received his sentence in September.
The accident happened Nov. 20, 2021, when Kelley drove the wrong way on Interstate 80, colliding head-on with the Montano family’s vehicle.
Brittney and Antonio Montano, both 29, along with their children, Marianna and Antonio, were killed in the crash. Their son Julian, now 6, was the sole survivor.
Julian now lives with his aunt and uncle, Michelle and Anthony Gonzalez, in Citrus Heights. Despite his young age, he is beginning to comprehend the loss of his family.
“He’s getting to that age where he’s starting to understand,” Anthony said.
The Montano family was on their way to the Grand Canyon at the time of the crash.
“It took me years to be able to function right without thinking of [Brittney] every single day,” said Anthony.
Prosecutors noted Kelley’s previous DUI conviction in 2019 contributed to the severity of the charges against him.
“For us, I think it will never bring anybody back, and it will never fill that hole, but it’s a start,” said Michelle.
Julian, who enjoys his life with his aunt and uncle and his pets, remembers his family fondly.
“I really miss them and I really love them, and they’re in heaven right now,” he said.
The Gonzalez family says Julian has brought a new sense of love into their lives.
“He’s definitely taught me a different version of love that I didn’t know existed,” said Michelle.
“He’s my second son,” Anthony added.
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