Family lie unraveled: Juan Silva Jr. sentenced in connection with fatal hit-and-run crash



MILWAUKEE -- The suspect in a fatal hit-and-run crash in Milwaukee was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday, September 18th. This comes after the suspect's father initially took the fall for the crime.

Juan Silva Jr.



With a straight face, Juan Silva Jr. sat in the courtroom preparing himself to deal with a future behind bars. He admitted driving a conversion van which struck and severely injured Angalee Jacobs and killed her friend, Juan Zapata-Guerrero near 12th and National Ave. in September 2013. Silva Jr. then fled the scene.

On Friday, Jacobs made a tearful plea to the judge at Silva's sentencing.

"Your excuse was you thought you hit a dog. Even a dog deserved to be rendered aid to," said Jacobs.

Just as emotional during the sentencing was Guerrero's widow.

"I struggle with my kids every day since my husband died because he was the one who supported us. Now I am both mother and father," said Maria Carbajal.

It was an emotional hearing for everyone -- including Silva Sr., who said he masterminded the scheme.

Juan Silva Sr.



"I sacrificed my freedom for my son because he did not deserve to be in prison for an accident that couldn't be avoided,  which he made a terrible decision for leaving," said Juan Silva Sr., "He turned himself in against my approval. I told him no matter what I didn't want him to turn himself in."

In the end, Silva Jr. accepted the repercussions.

"I know this is wrong and not the way to live, letting my father take the blame when I wanted to. So now I am taking responsibility and  I am ready for the punishing you are willing to give me," said Silva Jr.

The judge sentenced Silva Jr. to ten years in prison and another five years of extended supervision. Immediately after court, Silva Jr. was taken away in handcuffs.

Since the confession initially came out, Silva Sr. had been released from prison.