Merced, CA (February 16, 2026) — A Texas woman convicted in the DUI crash that killed 29-year-old Regino “Regie” Mariscal Jr. has been sentenced to 10 years and eight months in state prison.
Desiree Rose Gomez was found guilty of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony DUI causing injury. The charges stem from the May 3, 2025 collision at the intersection of G Street and East Olive Avenue in Merced. Police previously reported that Mariscal was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by an SUV driven by Gomez just before 5 p.m.
Mariscal, who worked with the Restorative Justice League (RJL) at Tenaya Middle School, was remembered by colleagues and students as a mentor and advocate. RJL CEO Andre Griggs previously described him as someone who “always cared” and “always listened,” adding that losing him at such a young age has been deeply painful for the community.
In the weeks following the crash, family, friends, and students gathered at the intersection where he was killed to hold a candlelight vigil. The organization is now selling memorial shirts, with proceeds going toward a scholarship in Mariscal’s name to continue his work supporting students.
With Wednesday’s sentencing, the criminal case against Gomez has reached its conclusion, closing a chapter in a case that profoundly impacted the Merced community.
