Judge sentenced man who crashed into house and killed homeowner

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – He sits in his favorite chair, one moment fighting for his life. Brian Peterson never knew what hit him last holiday season.

It turned out to be a Ford expedition that entered the Albuquerque garage, crashing into another car and forcing it into Peterson’s rear wall. Peterson died in the hospital.

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced 63-year-old Mark Castello to 15 years in prison for the crime.

Peterson’s family was in court Wednesday and doesn’t think justice was served. But they are happy Castello will spend some time behind bars.

Castello’s primary charge is vehicular homicide; a second-degree felony for being drunk and intoxicated.

Prosecutors reached a plea agreement that gave him a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, including 10 years behind bars and 5 years of supervised release.

Family members were able to speak before sentencing. Peterson’s daughter spoke directly to Castello and told him how his actions had devastated their family and that the holidays would never be the same again.

“Justice was not served. They do not consider DWI homicides to be a violent crime. “Until this is recognized as a violent crime, there will be no justice for any family that goes through something like this,” Peterson’s daughter said.

He is referring to what New Mexico classifies as a serious violent crime; This means he will have to serve 85% of his prison sentence instead of half, and will earn one day of good time credit for each day served.

On Dec. 28, 2023, Castello suffered impaired driving behind the wheel when his SUV crashed into Peterson’s car, forcing the parked car into the home, fatally injuring Peterson, who was sitting in a living room recliner.

Peterson’s family emphasized that the impact on the families involved will be felt forever.

As people gather for this Thanksgiving holiday, it’s a reminder to say so when someone has had a few drinks and be sure to let someone sober drive or give you a cab.

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