In court, Lugo said Costa's lack of concern for the victims prompted her to ask for the maximum sentence.
“When I look at this trial, I see a selfish coward who is only concerned about what will happen to himself,” Lugo said.
Costa hung his head low as Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Darrell Mavis handed down the sentence in the Pasadena courtroom.
“The reason the court is to deny probation is the nature and seriousness and circumstances of this crime specifically,” Mavis said.
Costa was also ordered to pay $87,204 to a victim's compensation fun, and $23,762 to the city of La Cañada Flintridge.
Costa stood and faced the family and friends of the victims in the courtroom and offered a direct apology and appeal for forgiveness.
“I know that each of you hate me today, but what I ask of you is forgiveness,” Costa said through a Portuguese translator. “I promise I will never touch a truck again in my life.”
After the hearing, friends and family of the victims said they were satisfied with the sentence.
“It was fair. We’re OK with it,” said Allie Posca, the eldest daughter of Angel Posca.
Family friend Kristen Eddy, who gave a statement to the court earlier about the impact of the crash on her life, agreed.
“Nothing’s going to bring them back,” she said. “We can live with it.”
Prosecutors had argued that Costa acted with willful disregard for human life as he proceeded down the steep mountainous pass, and ignored warnings from an off-duty firefighter who said smoke was “billowing” from his brakes, according to the county district attorney’s office.
When the out-of-control truck reached Foothill Boulevard, it slammed into Posca’s car, dragging it 150 feet before hitting six other vehicles and crashing into a bookstore.
Defense attorneys had portrayed the crash as an accident that Costa tried to avoid. Costa has also blamed unsafe road conditions and infrastructure for contributing to the crash.
