Trial begins for man accused in Ferris mom's drunk driving death

There was emotional testimony on Tuesday in the trial of a man accused of driving drunk and killing a young mom.

If found guilty, Eustorgio Gomez-Gutierrez could face a sentence ranging from probation up to 20 years in prison.

Prosecutors set up the case against Gomez-Gutierrez, accused of killing 19-year-old Priscilla Alanis. She was a Cedar Valley College volleyball player and mother to her 1-year-old son, Elijah.

Priscilla’s brother, Raul, recalled the morning of September 21, 2014, waking to a message from his dad.

“They were like, ‘Panchito, something happened to Priscilla, and she didn't make it. She didn’t make it,’” Raul recalled. “And I threw my phone, and I called them.”

Priscilla's car overheated around 4 a.m. that September morning on I-45 in Hutchins. She pulled over and was still strapped in with flashers on when police say Gomez-Gutierrez  slammed into the back of her parked PT Cruiser.

Investigators say the truck was going 69 miles an hour when it crashed and made no attempt to stop.

Defense Attorney David Pire pointed out Gomez-Gutierrez called 911 and cooperated with authorities.

One of the responding officers’ testified Gomez-Gutierrez had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and swayed when he walked. Prosecutors say he'd been out clubbing in Dallas with his brother before the crash.

Family of Gomez-Gutierrez, who has been out on bond, had no comment. But Priscilla's family had plenty to say.

“I hope that he gets time,” said Raul. “That's what I really want. They need to set an example off of him.”

Honestly, Elija is the one we all worry about because he doesn’t have his mom,” said Priscilla's best friend, Alexandra Agrrera. “Imagine not having your mom.”

A paramedic testified Gomez-Gutierrez told him he must have fallen asleep at the wheel and when asked if he'd been drinking, Gomez-Gutierrez replied not much.

The state could rest as early as Wednesday.