Drunk driver gets 40 years for 2024 crash that killed woman, injured children

A Des Moines motorist who pleaded guilty to killing another driver while driving drunk last year has been sentenced to up to 40 years in prison.

Rogelio Olivares-Barreto, 29, was arrested in July 2024 after a crash that took the life of 47-year-old Maria Elena Rodriguez. Police said Olivares-Barreto, behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, ran into another car stopped at a red light at the corner of Corning and Second Avenue. He then drove away at high speed, eventually crossing the center lane near Second and Holcomb and striking the minivan driven by Rodriguez head-on.

Rodriguez died at the scene. Three passengers in her vehicle, including her two preteen sons, were seriously injured.

Olivares was ejected from his vehicle and also was hospitalized after the crash.

Investigators found Olivares had been traveling at speeds up to 85 mph seconds before the crash. Prosecutors said Olivares’ blood alcohol content after the crash was 0.165%, more than double the legal limit.

Olivares was charged with homicide by OWI, homicide by reckless driving and three counts of serious injury by vehicle. He pleaded guilty to the OWI homicide and serious injury charges in May, with prosecutors agreeing to dismiss the reckless driving count.

Maria Elena Rodriguez with her family. From left, Osvaldo Rodriguez, Rafael Rodriguez Leyva, Andrea Rodriguez Arreola, Carlos Arreola, Maria Elena. Rodriguez, Emiliano Rodriguez and Rafael Elias Rodriguez.

On July 24, slightly more than a year after the crash, Olivares appeared before Judge Paul Scott for sentencing. Under the terms of their deal, the parties were free to argue whether Olivares’ prison terms should run co

ncurrently or back to back. Scott ruled that all four sentences should run consecutively, for a total of up to 40 years in prison. Olivares also must pay $150,000 in restitution to Rodriguez’s estate, as required by Iowa law.

---

Stay in the know with stories that matter — visit HolaAmericaNews.com for the latest news, culture, and community updates!