CANYON COUNTY — Kaleb Edward Lancaster, 38, of Canyon County, has received a sentence of 26 years to life in prison after killing 20-year-old Gabriela Gonzales, of Homedale, in a drunken-driving crash.
On Feb. 6, Lancaster entered the eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 near Nampa. Lancaster had a .253 blood alcohol content level — more than three times the legal limit— and was driving the wrong way. Lancaster’s vehicle struck the sedan Gonzales’ boyfriend was driving, which killed her and seriously injured him, as well as another person, according to a Canyon County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office news release.
That night and her absence weighs heavy on her family. On Wednesday, at Lancaster’s sentencing hearing, Gonzales’ family was there to address their loss and Lancaster.
“Not only did Lancaster take her life, he completely destroyed our whole family,” Gonzales’ sister told the court, according to the release. “She had a beautiful soul.”
Third Judicial District Judge Davis F. VanderVelde sentenced Lancaster to life in prison with 26 years fixed. Lancaster’s listed crimes are felony vehicular manslaughter and two counts of felony aggravated driving under the influence, according to iCourt, which shows criminal history. Lancaster had previously pleaded guilty to those charges.
LANCASTER’S SENTENCING HEARINGDeputy Prosecutor Virginia Bond asked VanderVelde to levy a life in prison sentence with 35 years fixed.
“He stole Gabriela’s life,” Bond told the court. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Lancaster’s attorney asked VanderVelde to impose a 30-year sentence with 10 years fixed, meaning he would be eligible for parole after a decade.
VanderVelde addressed the 26-year fixed sentence that Lancaster received.
“This is not a wrong that can be cured or fixed,” VanderVelde said. “She is gone, and we cannot bring her back.”
Canyon County Prosecutor Chris Boyd thanked the Idaho State Police for its investigation into the case. He reflected on the choices Lancaster made on Feb. 6.
“This defendant’s selfish decision to drink and drive stole the life of a beautiful, young woman with her whole life ahead of her,” Boyd said. “No sentence can ever bring Gabriela back to her loved ones, but this sentence sends a strong message that drunk drivers will not be tolerated in our community.”