Is justice truly blind? The case of Stephanie Melgoza, a former Bradley University student, highlights a chilling intersection of tragedy and accountability, underscoring the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
Stephanie Melgoza's name became synonymous with a nightmare scenario on April 10, 2022, a date etched in sorrow for two families in East Peoria, Illinois. On that night, Melgoza, then 24, drove under the influence, her blood alcohol level reportedly exceeding three times the legal limit. Her vehicle struck and killed two pedestrians, Andrea Rosewicz and Paul Prowant, outside a local bar. The aftermath of the accident, captured on bodycam footage, sparked widespread outrage, revealing Melgoza laughing and joking despite the fatal consequences of her actions. This callous display further fueled the public's anger and intensified scrutiny of the case. The incident propelled Stephanie Melgoza into the national spotlight, not for achievement or acclaim, but as a symbol of the recklessness and devastation caused by drunk driving.
| Stephanie Melgoza: Bio & Case Details | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephanie Melgoza |
| Age (at time of incident) | 24 years old (in April 2022) |
| Date of Birth (Estimated) | Likely born in 1999 |
| Citizenship | American |
| Education | Former Bradley University Student (East Peoria, IL); Senior at the time of the incident |
| Incident Date | April 10, 2022 |
| Location of Incident | East Peoria, Illinois; 3300 block of North Main Street (around 10:15 p.m.) |
| Victims | Andrea Rosewicz and Paul Prowant |
| Charges |
|
| Plea | Guilty (Entered a "blind plea" in Tazewell County Circuit Court) |
| Sentence | 14 years in prison (Sentenced on April 27, 2023); Must serve at least 85% of the sentence. |
| Legal Representation | Kevin Sullivan (Attorney) |
| Key Evidence |
|
| Father | Patrick O'Brian |
| Reference Link | pjstar.com |
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