Michael Talbot, a 25-year-old from Connecticut, was handed a 15-year prison sentence on Wednesday for causing the deaths of two people whilst under the influence in 2022. Talbot admitted guilt to two counts of first-degree manslaughter, among other charges, last December. He confessed to the lethal hit-and-run of Yuliana Arias Lozano and Giovani Vega Benis in December 2022. The court also ordered him to serve five years probation upon completing his sentence, according to the Stamford Advocate.

At the time of the incident, Lozano and Benis, both also 25 and restaurant employees, were walking home around 2 am when they were hit by Talbot, driving a 2022 model Mercedes-Benz, while crossing the street. Talbot was reportedly driving at an excessively high speed for the area, and police indicated he made no attempt to brake. After the collision, Talbot left his car and ran away, later found hiding behind a shed.

He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, registering a blood-alcohol level over twice the legal limit. He reportedly told officers “Please tell me I didn’t kill anyone tonight” upon his discovery. During his guilty plea, Talbot expressed his regret, apologizing to the families of the victims.

Attorneys for Lozano’s family expressed dissatisfaction with the plea deal and wanted a lengthier sentence. However, an attorney for Benis’ family understood how lawyers reached the agreement, suggesting it could spare the family the emotional toll of a trial.

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