The driver who fatally ran into a Montgomery County, Maryland, couple who were on their way to vote on Election Day in November of 2022 has been sentenced to eight years behind bars.
Davinder Singh, of Gaithersburg, was found guilty in July of 2023 of homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, driving while under the influence of alcohol and other related charges.
The crash happened on Nov. 8, 2022, at 7:20 a.m., shortly after polls opened in Montgomery County. Miguel Antonio Ortiz, 65, and his 70-year-old wife Ana Margarita Ortiz were holding hands, crossing the street to go vote at an elementary school polling location near their home when they were struck and killed.
“The loss of Miguel and Ana Ortiz left a devastating void for their four adult children and multiple grandchildren. We express our deepest condolences to the grieving family. This case centers around public safety and we thank the judge for imposing a lengthy sentence,” State’s Attorney John McCarthy said.
Following 2023’s guilty verdict, McCarthy said Singh has a history of driving under the influence, and said his office would ask for the maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $14,000 in fines.
Ultimately, Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Bibi Berry sentenced Singh to 10 years, with all but eight suspended, five years of supervised probation and $2,000 in fines.
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