YORK COUNTY, Va. — A 26-year-old man who pleaded guilty to hitting and killing a Milligan University student who was running near Williamsburg last year has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Jose Efrain Hernandez Mancia was sentenced Tuesday in York County.
State Police had said Mancia was behind the wheel on March 31, 2022, when he crashed into a group of runners, killing Eli Cramer. It happened at Lightfoot and Williamsburg Pottery roads near the Williamsburg area of York County.
Hernandez Mancia had fled the scene after the crash, authorities said. He was found to be intoxicated and was placed under arrest for DUI.
Hernandez Mancia pleaded guilty on Jan. 19.
He was sentenced Tuesday on two counts of felony DUI and one count of aggravated manslaughter.
According to a press release from Milligan University, four student runners and an assistant coach were on a practice run when Hernandez Mancia hit them. Of the five people involved, three students were hit, including Cramer.
Cramer's family appeared in court Tuesday, making powerful statements.
"Him not being here anymore makes the world less," said
, Cramer's mother. "The searing pain has never gone away.
In court, Cramer was remembered as an avid runner, a devoted son, and a boyfriend.
“I’m 20 years old and I’m excited to die," said Cramer's girlfriend Megan Roth. “When you get a call like that everything stops. “I went from studying for an exam to planning a funeral."
Assistant Coach Natalia Lopez Foster was there when it all happened. She, too, appeared in court Tuesday.
“I couldn’t do anything to stop it," she said.
Hernandez Mancia made a statement in court, as well.
“I was devastated," he said. I really feel sorry for what I did.”
The Commonwealth's Attorney told News 3's Ellen Ice justice had been served in the case.
The defense attorney said 'no comment.' The family also declined to speak.
