Man sentenced in Fourth Plain hit-and-run that killed woman

He tearfully apologizes for actions while intoxicated

James I. Collins

By Paris Achen
Columbian Staff Reporter

Originally published November 28, 2012 at 3:37 p.m., updated November 28, 2012 at 6:24 p.m.

A 37-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to more than four years in prison for a drunken hit-and-run incident May 3 on East Fourth Plain Boulevard that took the life of a 25-year-old mother.

James I. Collins of Vancouver was sentenced by Clark County Superior Judge John Wulle after pleading guilty to hitting and killing hair salon employee Maria Delos-Carrusco Angulo as she stepped into a crosswalk between Neals and Rossiter lanes.

“I wish more than anything that I could go back to that day and make things different,” Collins said in a prepared statement to Angulo’s family and friends in the courtroom. “I’m sorry that Maria’s life was cut short because of my actions that day. I would like to apologize to Maria’s family and friends for taking her from you.”

He sniffled as he spoke, and tears streamed down his face.

“Most of all, I want to say sorry to Maria’s son,” Collins continued, his voice breaking. “Because of me, your life will forever be different. Nothing I can say will change anything or make your heartache go away.”

When Collins hit Angulo, he was intoxicated and driving 74 mph in a 30-mph speed zone.

After the collision, he sped off in his Honda hatchback, going as fast as 80 mph.

Collins also was ordered to pay $5,800 in restitution, $4,000 of which was to pay for delivering Angulo’s body to her family in Mexico.