Man Sentenced for Vandalizing Graves of DUI Crash Victims

In a disturbing act of cruelty, Brian Rodriguez vandalized the graves of two victims killed in a high-speed DUI crash on New Year’s Day 2021. The families of Andres Zacarias and Jenser Salazar, who were among the four people killed, were devastated again when Rodriguez spray-painted, hammered, and kicked their loved ones’ tombstones—recording the destruction and sending the footage to the grieving families.

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to trespassing, criminal mischief, and destroying a tomb. Facing up to 10 years in prison, he was sentenced to 30 days in a Miami-Dade County jail, followed by four months of house arrest and 20 months of probation. He must also complete 50 hours of community service, seek mental health treatment, and pay over $1,000 in restitution.

“You are nothing but a cruel, distasteful, unpleasant, unkind, vicious human being,” said Haydee Salazar, Jenser’s sister, in court. Despite his plea, Rodriguez did not apologize, prompting Andres Zacarias’ sister, Ingrid, to say, “You are not sorry for what you did.”

Judge Carmen R. Cabarga ordered Rodriguez to write an apology letter to the victims’ families, warning she would intervene if it lacked sincerity.

This sentencing comes nearly a year after Alex Garcia, the drunk driver responsible for the deadly crash, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The victims’ families continue to seek justice and healing in the wake of their unimaginable loss.