Cheyenne Wyllie Sentenced to Life in Prison for DUI Murders
Today in Department 5 of the Tulare County Superior Court, Visalia Division, Judge Juliet Boccone sentenced Cheyenne Wyllie, age 28, of Springville, to life in prison for a 2016 DUI crash that killed two and left another seriously injured.
On August 9, 2019, Wyllie pleaded no contest to two counts of second-degree murder against 69-year-old Angelita Espinosa and 10-year-old Jamie Espinosa, as well as felony driving under the influence causing injury with the special allegation of causing great bodily injury against George Espinosa, Jamie’s father.
In the evening of March 26, 2016, at the intersection of Avenue 200 and Spacer Drive, Wyllie ran a stop sign and slammed into a minivan driven by the Espinosa family, who were visiting Tulare County from Las Vegas. Angelita and Jamie were killed while George suffered major injuries requiring multiple and extensive surgeries. Wyllie was determined to have a .21% BAC. Investigation showed that Wyllie had spent the evening drinking at a downtown Visalia restaurant and at a friend’s house. Cellular phone forensics showed that Wyllie sent text messages to friends and family detailing her inebriation and her intention to drive, despite return text messages telling her not to.
“The word ‘closure’ is a difficult word to use in a tragic case like this. Just because the court process has ended doesn’t mean the Espinosa family will be made whole again. Cheyenne Wyllie took what can never be given back,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “What is readily apparent is the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, and this community for the Espinosa family. I ask that Angelita and Jamie’s memories be honored this way: if you truly love and care for others, never drive under the influence. Please call someone, use rideshare, or just don’t get behind the wheel. These cases are entirely preventable. Please be safe on the road.”
Under current California law, Wyllie must serve 19 years and 4 months in prison before she is eligible for a parole hearing. “We will honor the victims by never forgetting this tragedy. The Office of the District Attorney will appear at any potential parole hearing and argue against the possibility of early release,” continued District Attorney Ward.
The case was prosecuted by Supervising Deputy District Attorney John Sliney and was investigated by the California Highway Patrol Officer Ryan Lee and the TCDA Bureau of Investigations.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Public Information Officer Stuart Anderson (559) 636-5494