Drunk Driver Who Killed Mother and Daughter Leaving Drake Concert Sentenced to 21 Years: ‘He Needs to Sit in Jail and Stare at a Wall,’ Victim’s Sister Says
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — A 23-year-old Missouri man who was driving drunk at 70 mph in a 35 mph zone when he plowed into a mother and daughter leaving a Drake concert has been sentenced to 21 years in prison, prosecutors said Friday.
Monte Henderson pleaded guilty in July to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of armed criminal action in the deaths of 42-year-old Laticha “Liz” Bracero and her 21-year-old daughter Alyssa Angel Cordova, both of Chicago.
High-Speed Crash Killed Mom and Daughter Instantly
The tragedy unfolded on February 14, 2024, when Henderson sped through downtown St. Louis at double the posted speed limit.
Prosecutors said he was driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, running multiple red lights, and weaving through traffic when he struck another car, triggering a chain reaction that sent that vehicle crashing into Bracero and Cordova as they crossed the street back to their hotel after the concert.
According to investigators, Henderson hit his brakes just two seconds before impact — too late to prevent the fatal collision.
A toxicology report later revealed Henderson had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.194, more than twice the legal limit.
“Reckless driving destroys lives,” said St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore. “At 70 miles per hour, a car becomes a weapon, and the impact reaches far beyond the crash itself.”
Family Devastated by Loss
The victims, who were described as “inseparable,” had traveled from Chicago to attend the concert. Their family said they were known for their “amazing smiles, infectious laughter, and unbreakable bond.”
In an emotional victim impact statement, Bracero’s sister urged the court to impose the maximum penalty.
“He needs to sit in jail and stare at a wall and think about what he has done,” she wrote. “He is an extremely selfish person and doesn’t belong on the streets to harm anyone else again with his irresponsible actions. He does not deserve holidays with his family like Alyssa and Laticha no longer can.”
Defendant’s Family Pleads for Leniency
Henderson’s mother told the court her son was “not a monster or a thug”, but prosecutors said his decision to drink and drive at extreme speeds was a conscious act of recklessness.
“Nothing can make this right, but this sentence hopefully delivers some solace to the loved ones of Laticha Bracero and Alyssa Cordova,” said Attorney Gore. “Two families are grieving today — one for the loss of a mother and daughter, and another for the loss of a young man’s future.”
21-Year Prison Sentence Handed Down
Judge David Mason sentenced Henderson to 21 years in state prison, with no eligibility for early release until at least half of the sentence is served.
The court also ordered that Henderson undergo mandatory alcohol rehabilitation while incarcerated.
“This was not an accident,” prosecutors said in closing remarks. “This was a choice — one that ended two lives and forever altered countless others.”
This devastating case underscores the lasting consequences of impaired and reckless driving. For continuing coverage on road safety, justice updates, and community response across the Midwest, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.