Driver Sentenced to 45 Years in Prison for Fatal Christmas Lights Outing Crash in Amarillo

Larry Rolen, the driver responsible for the tragic crash that claimed the lives of five members of the Colin family during a Christmas lights outing, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison. The verdict came after Rolen received a guilty verdict on all counts related to the deaths of the victims.

The incident, which occurred on December 22, 2021, saw a Nissan Altima carrying five individuals being struck head-on by Rolen’s Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck. Four occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene, while a 23-year-old female and the suspect driver were hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Sadly, the hospitalized victim later succumbed to her injuries, bringing the death toll to five.

The victims of the crash were identified as Andrea Aguirre (23), Angelica Colin (46), Raul Colin (88), Teresa Colin (85), and Raul Perez Colin (35). The devastating loss has left a permanent scar on the surviving family members, who now find some solace in the fact that Rolen has been held accountable for his actions.

Authorities emphasize the avoidable nature of the tragedy, highlighting the importance of responsible drinking and making the right decisions before getting behind the wheel. The Amarillo Police Department extends its gratitude to the officers on patrol that night, the Traffic Investigation Unit, the 47th District Attorney’s office, as well as the judge and jury for their diligent work in securing justice for the victims.