Drunk Driver Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX - Luke Looschen was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to intoxicated manslaughter after the vehicle he was driving hit a van loaded with 6 people.

The sentencing hearing began Friday and lasted most of the day, despite the earlier guilty plea. Among those attending the hearing Friday was Clemente Martinez, who was driving the van that Looschen hit back in August on Highway 29. 3 of his passengers were killed and another one died later at the hospital. The family riding in the van was from Taylor.

Looschen admitted he had been drinking and had taken anti-depressants as well as hydrocodone. According to court documents, his blood alcohol level was double the legal limit and registered at .181.

A third car was also involved in the accident and the driver was the first person on the witness stand this morning. He described the chaos and the panic felt by Clemente Martinez as he searched through the wreckage to pull his family members out.

Looschen will have to serve 25 years in prison before he is eligible for parole.