Families of GCU students stay behind as judge walks away before sentencing on murder charges

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge recused herself from a second-degree murder case Friday shortly before sentencing.

Vincent Acosta pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the deaths of three Grand Canyon University students: Magdalyn Ogden, 18; Abriauna Hoffman, 18; and Hunter Balberdi, 19. In October 2022, Acosta, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, drove the wrong way on I-17 and collided with the students' vehicle, killing all three.

Family and friends of the victims filled the courtroom, but the hearing lasted less than three minutes as the judge announced her rejection without explanation.

In August, the Maricopa County District Attorney's Office reached a deal with Acosta in which he pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder.

Under the plea agreement, each count of second-degree murder is punishable by 18 to 22 years in prison.

Earlier this week, it became clear that Maricopa Superior Court Judge Pamela Dunne planned to recuse herself from Friday's scheduled sentencing after victims' families were informed that sentencing could be delayed.

“The court must withdraw and appoint a new judge. The court apologizes to everyone on both sides who traveled here today and given the legal nature of the case, this court will no longer hear the case.” “I do not think this is the appropriate form for comments , as the court will not proceed with his case at this time,” Dunne said Friday.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa judge apologizes during sentencing in GCU fatal crash case