Judge increases Walla Walla man’s sentence
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, July 19th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – A Walla Walla man has had his sentence for the March 5, 2021, vehicular homicide increased in Benton County Superior Court.
Judge Diana Ruff found Jesus Avalos Chavez had two prior driving under the influence offenses from 2006 and 2007 in Walla Walla, prior to his 2021 head-on collision on State Route 14 near Patterson which killed Manuel Guajardo Junior, 68, of Kennewick.
The two priors increase the standard sentencing range from 126 months to 150 months. Monday’s sentencing hearing included victim statements and presentations from the state requesting a 150-month sentence.
After hearing from all parties, Judge Ruff imposed a 150-month prison sentence.
