Rogel Aguilera-Mederos, the semi-truck driver convicted in a fatal 2019 crash on Interstate 70 in Colorado, appeared before a parole board seeking release.
His original 110-year prison sentence was commuted to 10 years by Governor Jared Polis in December 2021, making him eligible for parole at the end of that month.
During the hearing, Aguilera-Mederos recounted the events of the crash, stating that his brakes failed and he tried to avoid traffic.
"The brakes went out, so I try to avoid the traffic, you know, not to hurt nobody," he said.
He explained that stopped traffic prevented him from avoiding the collision, which killed four people and injured several others.
"Unfortunately, the traffic was stopped, and four people lost their lives. I feel bad about it.
I feel sorry, sad. I would have preferred God taking me instead of them," Aguilera-Mederos said.
Prosecutors had argued that he was speeding and bypassed a runaway truck ramp before hitting the stopped vehicles.
The 110-year term resulted from mandatory minimum sentencing rules, numerous charges, and consecutive sentence requirements.
Aguilera-Mederos expressed remorse and a desire for spiritual reconciliation, saying, "I pray every day."
He also hopes to speak with the victims' families directly. "I would like to be forgiven by everyone involved in this trial.
I would like to talk to them one day and let them know how I feel," he said.
The parole board is evaluating his rehabilitation participation, prison behavioral record, release plan, and the severity of the crime.
Aguilera-Mederos assured officials he would remain law-abiding if released. "I'm going to make sure that you don't regret your choice if I'm granted parole," he said.
He added, "I'm not coming back to prison. I feel like I don't belong here."
The case has been referred to the full seven-member parole board, where at least four members must vote in favor for parole approval.
