Killer on the way to spending 15 to life behind bars…instead of in bars

From Valley News

RIVERSIDE – A repeat DUI offender whose SUV plowed into a car that immediately caught fire, killing a 43-year-old Perris woman at the wheel, was convicted today of second-degree murder.
Juan Antonio Covarrubias of Anaheim faces 15 years to life in prison when sentenced May 8 by Riverside County Superior Court Judge Richard Fields.
Jurors deliberated two hours before finding Covarrubias guilty of the March 31, 2012, death of Gyla Walters.
Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Amy Barajas said Covarrubias flagrantly disobeyed the law and violated the terms of probation from his earlier DUI conviction by binge drinking and then driving more than 50 miles on the morning of the wreck.
“The defendant had a record of DUI offenses, all of which he pled guilty to,” Barajas said. “Every time he pled guilty, he was warned of the dangers of drinking and driving. Yet he still made selfish choices that ended this woman’s life.”
The prosecutor said Covarrubias consumed beer for several hours with friends in Anaheim, then headed to a house party in Perris, staying until nearly dawn the following day.
“People told him not to drive home, but he didn’t care,” Barajas said…..MORE