Drunk valet driver fatal crash; Marco Gomez sentenced, 15 years prison
MILWAUKEE - A Milwaukee County judge sentenced Marco Gomez on Friday, Oct. 25 to 15 years in prison plus an additional ten years of extended supervision in connection with a fatal crash in downtown Milwaukee in July 2024. Gomez is the valet driver who was accused of taking a hotel guest's car, driving drunk and causing that crash.
Gomez reached a plea deal in his case in September. Court records show 23-year-old Marco Gomez pleaded guilty to amended charges of second-degree reckless homicide and homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Charges of knowingly operating without a valid license and operating a motor vehicle without the owner's consent were dismissed and read into the court record for the purposes of sentencing.
During Friday's sentencing hearing, both the family and Gomez had an opportunity to speak to the court.
"You ought to be ashamed of yourself. You are going to pay for that in prision. But your sentence is long enough you take a life you should have to sit the whole," said Vickie Cole, aunt of victim.
"I am truly sorry for what ive done and i pray every day the victim's family can find compassion and forgiveness for my actions," Gomez said. "I can't fathom in my heart the hurt and pain that you are going through."
11th and Wisconsin crash
Marquette University police were called to the scene around 11:45 p.m. on July 3. Officers found a white Toyota, which was rolled onto its side, and a blue Hyundai. Both sustained significant damage.
Fatal crash at 11th and Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Gomez, since identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, was extricated from the wreck. The driver of the Hyundai was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene, a criminal complaint states.
Surveillance video
Surveillance video showed the Toyota speeding west down Wisconsin Avenue before the crash.
The complaint states the Toyota drove in the bus lane and ran a red light at 10th Street before running the red light at 11th Street and slamming into the front driver's side of the Hyundai.
Milwaukee crash, 11th and Wisconsin
The video showed the Hyundai driver getting ejected, and the Toyota hitting a pole before rolling over. The medical examiner's office later identified the victim as 29-year-old Michael Starks.
Valeted car missing
Police went to a downtown hotel near Phillips and Wells and spoke to a person who identified Gomez as a valet driver there. That person, according to the complaint, said one of the vehicles that the valet service was in charge of was missing that night during Gomez's shift.
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A hotel guest identified the Toyota involved in the wreck as her rental car, per the complaint.
Gomez in custody
Once in custody, Gomez told police he worked as a valet at the hotel and took the Toyota that night. He also said he was drinking before the crash and was intoxicated behind the wheel.
Gomez was originally charged with first-degree reckless homicide.