Sentence Handed Down to Southington Man in Drunken Crash that Killed Meriden Girls

MERIDEN, CT — As part of his agreed upon plea deal, Southington resident Michael Luponio was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in prison in connection with the December 2015 drunken crash that killed Meriden girls Veronica, 7, and Yvette Martinez, 4.

The Meriden Record-Journal reports that the sentence was handed down at New Britain Superior Court, and a pair of letters remembering the girls were read aloud during the proceedings. Through his attorney, Luponio requested copies of the letters.

His sentence is officially 30 years in prison, suspended after 15 years, followed by five years of probation.

The crash occurred on Middle Street in Bristol, in the area of Pinebrook Terrace, on Dec. 13 at about 12:35 a.m., and the girls mother, Kayla Torres, and passenger Miguel Melendez, of New Britain, suffered injuries.

At the time of the crash, Luponio's blood alcohol content level was 0.24 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

The Town of Southington is expected to face a lawsuit in connection with the crash. Luponio reportedly sped past a Southington police officer before the crash, but was not pulled over.

Photo 1: Yvette Martinez, left, and Veronica Martinez via GoFundMe; Photo 2: Michael Luponio via Bristol police.