Freddy Burbano, a Colombian singer known for his pop songs, has been sentenced to four years and one month in prison for his role in the fatal car accident that claimed the life of 22-year-old Karen Molina.
The ruling, issued by Bogotá's 39th Circuit Criminal Court on February 17, also includes a fine equivalent to 47 Colombian minimum wages.
The accident that changed everything
On the night of July 9, 2022, Karen Molina lost her life in a crash in Bogotá's Puente Aranda district. Burbano, driving an SUV, collided with the taxi carrying Molina.
The impact was so severe that Molina died at the scene.
Prosecutors later determined that Burbano was intoxicated, registering a level 3 of alcohol impairment. Investigators also found that the taxi was speeding, which contributed to the accident's severity.
No jail time
Initially, Burbano faced charges of homicidio doloso eventual (reckless homicide with intent). However, the court ultimately convicted him of homicidio culposo agravado (aggravated negligent homicide), ruling that his actions were due to negligence rather than intent.
During the trial, Burbano expressed deep remorse, admitting his mistake in driving under the influence and apologizing to Molina's family.
Despite his conviction, he will not serve time in prison. Due to the sentence length and a legal agreement, he will serve his term under house arrest.
The decision has sparked controversy—some believe the punishment is too lenient, while others argue that his remorse should be considered.
Saying goodbye to his career
The tragedy has severely impacted Burbano's career. Many of his contracts were canceled, and his concerts suspended. His public image has suffered greatly.
Burbano himself admitted that his professional life collapsed. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had to sell personal belongings to stay afloat.
"Everything fell apart, including my contracts and concerts," he confessed. His financial struggles have forced him to find alternative income sources: "I had to sell some motorcycles I owned," he admitted.
Beyond Burbano's sentence, this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. Karen Molina's death is a tragedy that underscores the importance of responsibility behind the wheel and the need to protect others on the road.
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