“A Kent Man Sentenced to Nearly a Decade in Prison for Fatal Collision Resulting in Bellingham Woman’s Death”

Teofilo Garcia Uribe, a man from Kent, Washington, has been sentenced to nine years and two months in prison for causing a fatal car crash in January. Uribe pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by reckless driving after hitting Tarria K. Conger’s vehicle, which burst into flames, resulting in her death. The hit-and-run charge was dropped as part of the agreed-upon sentence. The judge commended Uribe for taking responsibility quickly and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family. Uribe’s driver’s license will be revoked for two years, and he will be prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol. Denver Pratt reported

A man from Kent, Washington has been sentenced to nearly ten years in prison after causing a fatal car accident in January. Teofilo Garcia Uribe, 37, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide resulting from reckless driving. The incident occurred on January 6 and resulted in the death of Tarria K. Conger, a 49-year-old woman from Bellingham. Uribe’s vehicle collided with Conger’s, causing her car to immediately burst into flames. On Tuesday, he was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison, along with a year and a half of probation.

Uribe had initially been charged with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run, but the hit-and-run charge was dropped in exchange for the agreed-upon recommended sentence. The sentencing hearing took place in Whatcom County Superior Court, where the prosecutor and Uribe’s public defense attorney presented the recommended sentence of 110 months in prison. The judge noted that Uribe’s standard range for his conviction was between eight years and ten and a half years.

The judge acknowledged that Uribe had taken responsibility for his actions quickly, which provided some closure for the victim’s family. Although the eight-month duration from the filing of the case to its resolution might seem long to those affected, it is relatively short compared to other cases. The judge commended Uribe for his remorse and agreed with the recommended sentence, emphasizing that while the incident may not have been intentional, it was undeniably reckless.

As part of his sentence, Uribe will be prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol, and his driver’s license will be revoked for two years upon his release from prison. Restitution is not being sought in this case. The prosecutor stated that Uribe’s sentence was appropriate given the severity of his actions and his prompt acceptance of responsibility.

The collision occurred at around 9:45 p.m. at the intersection of Meridian Street and East Kellogg Road. Surveillance footage from city traffic cameras captured Uribe’s white Dodge Ram colliding with Conger’s red Saturn Ion, which immediately caught fire. Uribe was identified as the driver of the Dodge Ram, while Conger was identified as the driver of the Saturn Ion. The footage showed Uribe driving at a high speed before rear-ending Conger’s vehicle with significant force, propelling it over 100 yards. Despite the car being engulfed in flames, Uribe continued to push it until reaching the intersection with East Kellogg Road, where he fled the scene.

Law enforcement located Uribe’s vehicle in the 700 block of East Kellogg Road and apprehended him shortly afterward. He admitted to consuming alcohol, and officers observed signs of intoxication. A witness positively identified Uribe as the driver responsible for the collision. He has remained in custody since his arrest on January 7.

In a presentence report, Uribe’s defense attorney provided background information about his upbringing. Uribe grew up in California as the son of Mexican immigrant farm workers and became involved with a gang at the age of nine. He cited limited choices during his childhood and felt compelled to go along with the gang culture for survival. Uribe spent much of his youth in juvenile detention facilities and did not continue his education past the age of 14. However, following his most recent release from prison in California, his siblings helped him relocate to Washington state for a fresh start. He had been sober, found employment, and was reconnecting with family.

On the day of the collision, Uribe had been involved in a fight at a bar in Ferndale before attempting to drive home. The defense attorney emphasized that Uribe had no intention of causing harm and deeply regrets the decisions that led to the fatal crash. While nothing can undo the pain caused to Conger’s family, Uribe will carry the memory of the incident for the rest of his life..