TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Tucson resident Sunshine Michelle Betters, 47, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps for transportation of undocumented individuals, and a resulting death.
In addition, Betters was sentenced to an additional 11 months imprisonment for violating her federal supervised release following a prior conviction in which she was also transporting migrants.
The incident, which occurred on June 3, 2021, resulted in the death of a Guatemalan citizen.
The Tohono O’odham Police Department (TOPD) responded to a two-vehicle collision on State Route 86 on the Tohono O’odham reservation.
After conducting an investigation, TOPD officers and detectives discovered that Betters was driving a car that had sideswiped an approaching truck, leaving the road and crashing with a tree.
There were two occupants in Betters’ vehicle, both undocumented non-citizens illegally present in the United States. One died on-scene after the crash.
According to the court, Betters was transporting the individuals for financial gain while severely intoxicated, leading to a two-car crash. Investigators said they discovered she falsely believed she was being followed by Border Patrol, and increasing her speed as a result.
This incident also violated the terms of her supervised release for a previous conviction for the same offense. Betters pleaded guilty on Oct. 17, 2022.
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Bivian Contreras is a real-time editor for KGUN 9. Bivian graduated from the University of Arizona School of Journalism with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism with an emphasis in Broadcast and is currently pursuing a degree in Broadcast Operational Meteorology. Share your story ideas and important issues with Bivian by emailing bivian.contreras@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
