A Buffalo man has been sentenced to prison following his involvement in a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 190 in August 2023. The Erie County District Attorney’s Office announced that Guillermo Morales, 53, received an indeterminate sentence of five to 15 years in state prison for his role in the tragic incident.
On the night of August 12, 2023, Morales was driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs when he entered I-190, traveling in the wrong direction near the Scajaquada Expressway in Buffalo. His vehicle collided head-on with another car driven by 38-year-old Matthew J. Czop of Tonawanda.
The impact was so severe that Czop was pronounced dead at the scene. Morales, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC), where he was arraigned while still hospitalized.
The collision sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The case against Morales was bolstered by evidence gathered during the investigation, which revealed that he was in possession of a quantity of cocaine at the time of the crash. This discovery led to additional charges being filed against him.
In April, Morales entered a guilty plea to multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, one count of second-degree manslaughter, one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count of first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation. The plea agreement reflected the severity of his actions and their catastrophic outcomes.
The sentencing was delivered in the State Supreme Court, where the judge underscored the gravity of Morales’s offenses. The indeterminate sentence of five to 15 years aims to balance the need for justice with the potential for rehabilitation. It serves as a stark reminder of the legal and personal consequences of driving under the influence.
The family of Matthew J. Czop has been left to cope with the profound loss of a beloved father, husband, and community member. Friends and relatives have expressed their grief and called for stricter measures to prevent similar tragedies. The case has also spurred local advocacy groups to intensify their efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.
District Attorney John Flynn remarked on the importance of the case in demonstrating the law’s firm stance against impaired driving. “This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the irreversible damage that can occur when individuals make the reckless decision to drive under the influence,” Flynn stated.
“We hope this sentence brings some measure of closure to the victim’s family and serves as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions.”
The sentencing of Guillermo Morales marks the conclusion of a case that has gripped the Buffalo community and highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and public safety advocates to combat impaired driving.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office continues to emphasize the need for vigilance and responsibility on the roads to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
In addition to the legal consequences, Morales’s case underscores the broader societal impact of impaired driving, prompting renewed discussions about preventive measures, support systems for those struggling with substance abuse, and the importance of community education in fostering safer driving practices.
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As the community mourns the loss of Matthew J. Czop, his memory serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the scourge of impaired driving with unwavering resolve.
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