Woman sentenced to 25 1/2 years in crash that killed mother, daughter
Nov. 2—A judge sentenced Elexus Groves to 25 1/2 years in prison Tuesday for a 2017 crash that killed an Albuquerque woman and her 14-year-old daughter.
Judge Brett Loveless handed Groves, 26, the maximum sentence allowed given the crimes for which she was convicted.
"The harm that Ms. Groves caused by her actions is nothing short of catastrophic," Loveless said moments before announcing the sentence.
"She killed a 14-year-old girl and her mother," Loveless said. "She severely injured a young boy and took away his mother and sister. The pain this family has experienced is absolutely unimaginable."
Groves wept as Loveless estimated that she would emerge from prison at age 41 if she earns all the good time permitted for good behavior while in prison.
A 2nd Judicial District Court jury convicted Groves Aug. 26 of two counts of vehicular homicide, but acquitted her of more serious first-degree murder charges.
Groves was driving a stolen work van and fleeing from police at the time of the crash on Jan. 18, 2017.
The van was travelling an estimated 80 mph when it ran a stop sign at Chelwood Park and Copper NE, fatally injuring Shaunna Arredondo-Boling, 39, her daughter, Shaylee Boling, 14, and injuring her 3-year-old son.
Boling, a Sandia High School freshman, died at the scene. Her mother died in a hospital 13 days later having never regained consciousness. Arredondo-Boling's son was hospitalized with a broken leg.
Diane Boling, Arredondo-Boling's mother, expressed her sadness for the loss of her daughter and granddaughter, and said she had special grief for her surviving grandson.
"The one person my heart goes out to the most is my grandson, Jason," Boling said. "Jason will never know how much his mother loved him. The little boy has been denied what most kids have — a sibling who adored him and a mother who would have done anything for him to ensure he was healthy and happy."
Shortly before her sentencing, Groves apologized to the Boling family.
"I can't imagine the pain and suffering I have caused you," Groves said. "I have so much sadness in my heart. I pray that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me."
Jurors also convicted Groves of five lesser charges, including aggravated fleeing officers, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, taking a motor vehicle, conspiracy, and great bodily injury by vehicle for the boy's injury.
Loveless found that the two counts of vehicular homicide and serious bodily injury by vehicle constitute serious violent offenses requiring that Groves serve at least 85% of her sentence before she is eligible for parole.
