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Updated: 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012 | Posted: 10:56 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012
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By Jamel E. Valencia and Martina Valverde
EL PASO, Texas —
The man accused of killing two friends and seriously injuring two others in a fiery crash was found guilty on all counts.
Miguel Vargas, 23, was found guilty of two counts each of intoxicated manslaughter and intoxicated assault.
His sentencing will be decided in court Thursday. Vargas, who was testifying in his own defense, told the jury that the crash that happened on Dec. 28, 2011 was an accident, but he admitted to them that he was drunk.
"I didn't intend to hurt no one," he said.
Two of Vargas' passengers, Kim Araujo, 23, and Idaly Reyes, 19, died at the scene. Reyes' sister, Stacy Reyes, and Nefi Armendariz were also in the car. They suffered serious injuries.
The prosecution asked Vargas if he felt responsible for that night, and after a few minutes of silence, Vargas answered.
"Yes, I feel responsible," he said.
Dramatic testimony from Vargas detailed how he remembers the events that happened before the crash.
During questioning from prosecutors, Vargas admitted to being intoxicated and racing.
A blood alcohol level test revealed that Vargas was three times over the legal limit.
In closing arguments, the prosecution called the accident horrific and said, "Nobody wakes up saying I want to kill somebody in a DWI crash."
The prosecution stressed to the jury that they still have to hold Vargas responsible for this crash and accountable.
The defense argues that Vargas walked away with a broken arm because he had his seat belt on.
"They should have known not to get into the car with Miguel Vargas," the defense said. "They should have known to wear their seat belts.
The defense said the state did not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that it was solely Vargas' intoxication that caused the death of the two passengers.
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