Drunk valet driver fatal accident; Marco Gomez was sentenced to 15 years in prison

MILWAUKEE – On Friday, October 25th, a Milwaukee County judge sentenced Marco Gomez to 15 years in prison and an additional ten years of extended supervision in connection with a fatal crash in downtown Milwaukee in July 2024. the car of the hotel guest who was driving drunk and caused this accident.

In September, Gomez took a plea deal in his case. Court documents show 23-year-old Marco Gomez pleaded guilty to amended charges of second-degree reckless homicide and intoxication manslaughter. Charges of knowingly driving without a valid license and operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent were dismissed and placed on the court record for sentencing.

During Friday’s sentencing hearing, both the family and Gomez had an opportunity to address the court.

“You should be ashamed. You are going to pay for it in prison. But your term is long enough, you’re taking life, and you’re going to have to sit the whole time,” said Vicki Cole, the victim’s aunt.

“I truly regret what I did and I pray every day that the victim’s family will find compassion and forgiveness for my actions,” Gomez said. “I cannot fathom in my heart the hurt and pain you are going through.”

11th and accidents in Wisconsin

Marquette University Police were called to the scene around 11:45 p.m. on July 3. Officers found a white Toyota that had been flipped on its side and a blue Hyundai. Both received significant damage.

Gomez, who was identified as the driver and sole occupant of the Toyota, was extricated from the scene of the crash. The driver of the Hyundai was ejected and died at the scene, according to the criminal complaint.

Video surveillance

Surveillance video shows the Toyota speeding west on Wisconsin Avenue before the crash.

The Toyota was traveling in the bus lane and ran a red light at 10th Street, then ran a red light at 11th Street and struck the front driver’s side of the Hyundai, the complaint said.

The video shows the driver of the Hyundai being ejected and the Toyota hitting a pole and then overturning. A medical examiner later identified the victim as 29-year-old Michael Starks.

A company car has disappeared

Police went to a downtown hotel near Phillips & Wells and spoke to a man who identified Gomez as a valet. That person, according to the complaint, said one of the vehicles the parking lot was responsible for went missing that night during Gomez’s shift.

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According to the complaint, a hotel guest recognized the Toyota involved in the crash as her rental car.

Gomez is in custody

Once in custody, Gomez told police he worked as a valet at a hotel and took the Toyota that night. He also said that before the accident he was under the influence of alcohol and was driving under the influence.

Gomez was initially charged with first degree negligent homicide.