'2 Drunk 2 Care' Woman Jailed For Fatal Crash
Sky News US Team-
A Florida woman who tweeted "2 drunk 2 care" hours before she drove the wrong-way on an expressway and caused a fatal crash has been jailed for 24 years.
Kayla Mendoza pleaded guilty in February to two DUI manslaughter charges in the November 2013 crash, which killed best friends Kaitlyn Ferrante and Marisa Catronio, both 21.
The 22-year-old had drunk two large margaritas from "fishbowl size" glasses - despite being under the legal drinking age - during a night out with co-workers on 16 November.
She then drove at speeds of up to 96mph the wrong way on the Sawgrass Expressway near Coral Springs, Florida, before crashing head-on into the vehicle driven by Ms Ferrante.
Ms Catronio died at the scene, and Miss Ferrante died four days later at Broward North Medical Center.
Mendoza broke both her legs in the crash and suffered head injuries. She has continued to use a wheelchair because of her injuries.
Members of Ms Catronio and Ms Ferrante's family were in the court to hear the sentencing.
Mendoza read out a letter apologizing for her actions and asking for forgiveness.
Evidence heard at the court in Broward County revealed Mendoza had tweeted "2 drunk 2 care" before the crash. Authorities said her blood-alcohol level was .15 - nearly twice the legal limit in Florida.
Mendoza was ordered to remain on probation for six years after her eventual release and has been banned from driving for life.
