MILWAUKEE — The man accused of recklessly driving his car and hitting and killing a Milwaukee pastor last year was convicted of homicide.
Jose Silva was convicted of homicide by use of a vehicle with PAC (prohibited alcohol concentration level). Sentencing is set for April 20 at 2 p.m. He faces a maximum of 25 years and fines up to $100,000, or both.
As TMJ4 News previously reported, Silva was originally charged with second-degree reckless homicide. Prosecutors say Silva blew through a red light and crashed into a pastor who was driving to church. The Grace Lutheran Church pastor has been identified as 40-year-old Aaron Strong.
According to a criminal complaint, the fatal crash happened in front of the Milwaukee County Courthouse around 9:15 a.m. Silva allegedly struck Strong before traveling east and hitting four more unoccupied parked vehicles.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Milwaukee pastor dead after reckless driver causes crash near 10th and Wells
- Community remembers pastor killed by reckless driver in Milwaukee: 'It's been difficult and lots of tears'
The complaint says Silva remained on the scene and identified himself as the driver of the striking vehicle. He said he was in a hurry because he had jury duty at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Silva claimed he went through the intersection at a yellow light and thought he was driving close to the speed limit, the complaint says. However, a witness says she saw Silva speeding at 70-80 miles per hour and failed to stop at a red light before hearing a loud crash.
Security footage obtained by Marquette University shows Silva failed to stop at a total of four red lights. This includes the red light at 11th and Wells, which resulted in the fatal crash.
According to the complaint, data from Silva's airbag control module in his vehicle revealed he was driving at a maximum of 74 miles per hour prior to the crash. The speed limit on Wells St. is 30 miles per hour.
Strong leaves behind a wife and two children.
