Emily Hernandez received a 10-year prison sentence following a tragic drunk-driving crash that claimed the life of Victoria Wilson. The incident occurred on Interstate 44 in Franklin County, Missouri, in 2022, when Hernandez drove westbound in the eastbound lanes. This collision resulted in the death of Victoria Wilson, aged 32, and left her husband, Ryan Wilson, with a disabling injury.
Hernandez's blood-alcohol content was recorded at .125, significantly surpassing Missouri's legal limit of .08 for most drivers. The consequences of her actions left two young boys without their mother and a family grappling with immense loss and suffering. Ryan Wilson, who sustained a severe injury to his right foot, must now navigate life with this disability.
In November, Hernandez pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated leading to a person's death and an additional charge of DWI resulting in serious injury. Despite her legal defense arguing for no more than four months of imprisonment, citing her acknowledgment of the gravity and shame of her actions, the court decided on a decade-long sentence.
Hernandez's legal troubles extend beyond this tragic event. In January 2022, she pleaded guilty in federal court to a misdemeanor charge related to her participation in the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. As part of the mob that stormed the Capitol, Hernandez was infamously photographed holding the broken nameplate of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She served a 30-day federal prison sentence for her role in the incident.
"Emily’s emotional make-up will forever contain feelings of remorse, grief and shame," said Hernandez’s attorneys.
On January 20, 2021, Hernandez was among 1,500 individuals who received unconditional pardons from former President Donald Trump for their roles in the Capitol uprising. However, this clemency did not absolve her from all legal consequences. Adam Schiff commented on the implications of such pardons.
"It sends a message to others out there: if you use violence to keep Donald Trump in power, or use violence in the service of Donald Trump, he will have your back," remarked Adam Schiff.
Hernandez also faced an unresolved charge in Texas for soliciting a minor, adding another layer to her legal challenges. The court's recent decision underscores the severe repercussions of reckless behavior and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of such tragedies on victims’ families.