A judge ruled on Tuesday that Miguel Vargas who was convicted of killing two of his friends serve 16 years in prison. 

After an emotional trial, the case against Miguel Vargas, 23, found guilty of killing Kim Araujo and Idaly Reyes and severely injuring Nefi Armendariz and Stacy Reyes in a drunken driving crash last winter, is over. 

El Paso Judge Bill Hicks sentenced Vargas to 16 years in a Texas prison. Last Friday, a jury recommended two eight-year sentences. It was up to Hicks as to whether those sentences would be served concurrently or consecutively. Hick said it was a difficult decision, and one that he prayed over. In the end, Hicks decided the sentences would run consecutively. 

"We had three families deeply affected on different levels. The photos, the handling of how the girls died, were very graphic and intense. This was a very hard trial," said prosecutor Dolores Reyes. 

"I was disappointed. I think for an unintentional crime 16 years is too long and eight years would have been about right. But I understand, and we accept the judge's verdict," said Vargas' lawyer, Tom Wright. 

Kim's sister, Ida, told Vargas Kim was a good friend to him, letting him stay at her house, and stopped him from driving drunk multiple times before. She called their family's loss "irreplaceable."

"I know that especially, the statement from one of the victim's sisters, touched him," said Wright.

Reyes' parents both spoke, as did her sister Stacey who was severely injured in the crash.

Reyes' mother told Vargas, "You have left a great emptiness in my heart."

The Araujo and Reyes' families talked about how difficult it was that they were not able to have an open casket funeral, see the girls and say goodbye to them one last time.

"We were not able to open the coffin and see her one last time," said Stacey Reyes.

Kim's brother-in-law told Vargas, "You have sentenced both families to a lifetime of suffering and pain." Then he played the song "Sissy's Song" by Alan Jackson.

The lyrics include the lines:

"She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me."

It brought most of the courtroom, including the prosecutor, to tears.

Vargas had a few minutes to say goodbye to his mother before being taken to prison.

"He has showed little emotion throughout the trial and I think that is because he has been sitting in jail for nine months and probably went through all of the emotional stages in the first two months," said Wright.

Prosecutor Reyes called this the most emotional trial she's had since joining the district attorney's office, and one everyone can learn from.

"It is a parent's worst nightmare to receive that phone call in the middle of the night. Don't drink and drive, be careful out there. Your car is a deadly weapon, your car is like a loaded gun, drink responsibly, party responsibly, be considerate of others," said Reyes.

Wright said they have not made a decision yet as to if they will appeal this case.

Vargas was also found guilty of two counts of assault, for the two passengers severely injured. For that he was sentenced to 10 years of probation, that sentence will run concurrent with his prison sentence, so when he is released from jail he will not be on probation.