Coral Gables Woman Accepts Plea Deal in Fatal Crash

She is set to serve three years in prison, and 15 years probation with community service.

With tears in her eyes, Ivanna Villanueva accepted a plea deal in Miami-Dade Criminal Court Friday in lieu of a trial and a potential 20-year prison sentence.

She is set to serve three years in prison, and 15 years probation with community service.

Villanueva was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in an October 2011 wreck that left 68-year-old grandmother Eyder Ayala dead. Miami-Dade Police said Ayala was heading home from her job at McDonald's when Villanueva struck her vehicle.

Ayala was pronounced dead on the scene near Lejuene Road and Majorca Avenue. Toxicology reports found Villanueva, then only 19, had a blood alcohol levels almost three times the state legal limit of .08.

As part of her plea deal, Villanueva will donate to the anti-DUI foundation Mothers Against Drunk Driving, give to a scholarship in Ayala's name, and speak to young people several times a year about the perils of driving under the influence.

After court proceedings, the Ayala family announced plans to press charges against Miami Beach night clubs LIV and Arkadia for serving the underaged Villanueva the night of the accident.

According to arrest records, Villanueva will turn 21 next weekend.
 

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