Mario V. Garcia of Springville has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for the death of Andrew J. Mikula.
Springville resident Mario V. Garcia, aged 39, received a prison sentence ranging from 5 to 15 years in Erie County Court, as handed down by Judge James Bargnesi. This sentencing follows a guilty plea to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree for Garcia’s role in a fatal road rage incident in East Concord late last year.
On the afternoon of November 29, 2023, the confrontation unfolded on Vaughn Street (Route 240). Garcia, driving southbound, and the victim, 64-year-old Andrew J. Mikula from Lancaster, were both operating pickup trucks. Following an altercation, Mikula pulled his vehicle to the roadside, just south of Davis Hill Road. Garcia followed suit, stopping his truck behind Mikula’s.
According to court documents, Mikula exited his vehicle and approached Garcia’s truck. In a reckless act, Garcia accelerated, striking Mikula, who succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Following the incident, Garcia drove home and contacted emergency services.
The tragic event drew significant attention, culminating in Garcia’s April 19, 2024 guilty plea to the felony charge. Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane highlighted the efforts of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Crash Investigation Unit, commending Sgt Amy Parisi, Deputy Timothy Christian, Deputy Simon Biegasiewicz, and Deputy Trevor Williams for their diligent work in investigating the case.
Chief Paul J. Glascott of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau led the prosecution.
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