(ABC 6 News) – On Monday Nov. 20, 2023, a Rochester man was sentenced to 48 months at the MN Correctional Facility in St. Cloud, after killing a 22-year-old woman in an April 2022 car crash that killed 22-year-old Cynthia Gomez.

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Deng Tong Kwel, 21, was ordered to begin his prison sentence immediately after his Olmsted County hearing.

Kwel was also ordered to pay $3,119 in restitution.

He was headed south on East Circle Drive driving around 90 miles an hour when he lost control of his vehicle colliding with Gomez’s vehicle.

From friends and family of Cynthia Gomez to Deng Kwel there were few dry eyes in the courtroom on Monday afternoon.

Kwel’s attorney argued him and his family have already endured enough pain. The judge didn’t disagree this has been hard on them, although she sided with the prosecution that actions have consequence. even if it won’t bring Cynthia back.

“Certainly, he didn’t intend the result that happened. No one would come here and argue that. But is happened. And when you drive like that you have to presume something bad is going to happen,” said Jeffery Hill the prosecuting attorney.

Am emotional Kwel spoke before he the court handed him his sentence. He stated he took this as a learning experience and doesn’t want anyone to hurt anymore.

The mother of Cynthia Gomez gave a victim impact statement saying, “Cynthia’s departure has left a huge void in my heart that will never be filled.”

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