FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN/KMJ) — With a packed courtroom watching on Thursday, William Reyes Lozano — a driver turned killer — heard from his victims’ loved ones directly.
“We want you to know this: You did not just take a life. You broke an entire family,” Arba Phillips told the defendant in court. You did not just take a life. You broke an entire family. Arba Phillips, mother of Renee.
Phillips had to bury her daughter, Renee. She and her boyfriend, Mike Connors, were driving home from July 4 fireworks two years ago on a motorcycle when Lozano crashed into them in Fresno while high on marijuana.
The crash happened near Chestnut and Clinton, where investigators say Lozano was driving while high, estimating his speed between 76 and 84 miles per hour.
“He was going so fast, he didn’t know he hit somebody on a motorcycle,” prosecutor Steven Ueltzen said. “He told the officers he thought he hit somebody who was walking their bike across the street.”
Prosecutors say it was the second time in 10 days that Lozano drove while high, charging him with two counts of vehicular manslaughter and several other crimes.
Lozano first pleaded not guilty and denied all charges for more than two years. In August, he changed his plea to no contest, and then, on Thursday, offered a full apology in court.
“I take full responsibility in knowing that I have caused you such pain,” Lozano said. “I am forever changed by that moment in time and truly wish that I could change the outcome.”
Fresno County Superior Court Judge Jonathan Conklin called Lozano’s actions “inexcusable” and issued a stern warning as he heads to prison for 10 years.
“I’m telling you right now that if you get behind the wheel of a vehicle for the rest of your life, under the influence of alcohol or any drugs, you are doing so specifically intending to kill,” Judge Conklin said.
“While the whole country will be celebrating, we are remembering and mourning this devastating loss in 2023,” Renee’s step-mother, Tracey Kennedy, said.
