HALLS, TENN. — Jose Rivera Recarte pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide by intoxication, along with charges of reckless aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Judge Hector Sanchez accepted the plea and sentenced Rivera Recarte to 16 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
Lathen Blair and Donna Blair died in the crash. Union County deputies pursued Rivera Recarte's vehicle on Maynardville Highway toward Knox County. Rivera Recarte crossed a median and struck two vehicles in a turn lane at the intersection of Maynardville Highway and Norris Freeway.
A witness reported seeing Rivera Recarte leave a bar appearing impaired and had offered him a ride, which he declined. A responding officer observed bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and an odor of alcohol on Rivera Recarte. Rivera Recarte was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash and was removed from the vehicle by a responding officer. He initially stated he consumed one drink, but later told police he consumed no alcohol.
A Tennessee State Trooper administered a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, which showed indicators of impairment. Rivera Recarte refused additional testing and medical assistance after the crash. Law enforcement arrested Rivera Recarte for driving under the influence. Court records show Rivera Recarte's blood alcohol content was measured at .165.
Rivera Recarte did not possess a valid driver's license and presented a Honduran passport to deputies. Records indicate the vehicle he drove lacked insurance. Prosecutors stated that after serving his prison sentence, Rivera Recarte will be transferred to federal authorities for deportation proceedings.