Idaho man agrees to plea deal for fatal crash that killed 6, state suggests 15-year jail term
Idaho Falls, Idaho - Following a devastating drunk driving accident that resulted in the tragic deaths of six individuals in May 2024, Luis Garcia-Diaz, aged 27, reached a plea agreement on May 7. Initially facing six felony counts of vehicular manslaughter, Garcia-Diaz had four additional charges, including driving under the influence and causing severe bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement, added in November. Under the terms of the plea agreement, if Garcia-Diaz admits guilt to two counts of vehicular manslaughter, all other charges will be dropped, though the judge isn't obligated to accept the agreement. While the state recommends a sentence of six years fixed and nine years indeterminate, Garcia-Diaz's defense team reserves the right to advocate for a different outcome. The plea agreement was brokered through mediation, with no victims or their families participating. The incident took place on May 18 on U.S. Highway 20 near Lindsay Boulevard exit in Idaho Falls, where Garcia-Diaz, driving a Dodge Ram, veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a 2016 Chevrolet Express van carrying 14 individuals. Tragically, the collision resulted in the deaths of the van's driver and five passengers, with nine others sustaining injuries. Following the crash, Garcia-Diaz was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.192%, well above the legal limit of 0.08%. He is expected to appear before District Judge Dane Watkins Jr. on June 1 for a change of plea.
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