'We said our goodbyes, we turned off the machines': Family of drunk driving victim describe grief

Ina packed but silent courtroom, 10-year-oldRishamKarbandawalked to the witness box with her teenage sister besideher and spoke about the loss of her father to a drunk driver.

"I wish I could go back to the day it happened and stop my dad from leaving the house," saidRisham.

Taxi driverAmritpalKharbanda, 46, and his passenger,JillianLavallee, 25, died in May 2015 after AliMontoya, who was drunk, ran a red light and slammed his CadillacEscaladeinto the cab.

Montoyapleadedguilty earlier this year to two counts of criminal negligence causing death and onecount of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

The 21-year-old was driving 123 km/h two-and-a-halfseconds before runninga red lightonMacleodTrail and12thAvenue S.E.The red light camera clocked him at 98 km/h right before he hita small car, which then struck the taxi. Montoya'sblood alcohol level at the time was between 0.1 and 0.13.

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Kharbandadied at the scene andLavalleediedhours later in hospital.

Jillian'ssister, CaitlinLavallee,described getting the news while living in Vancouver that her sister had been in a horrible accident and she needed to get to Calgary as quickly as possible.

At the hospital, Caitlinwalked into her little sister's room to see her "swollen, lifeless body."

"We said ourgoodbyes, we turned off the machines and just like that it was over. She was gone and we had to walk away."

'Hugs, affection, morning kisses'

On Wednesday,Montoya'ssentencing hearing began with statements read by his victims' family members.

"Sometimes I wish we were all in the same car with him so we did not have to live without him," saidKharbanda'swidow, Harpreet.

Throughout the hearing,Montoya, 21, who is out on bail, sat in the prisoner's box with his head buried in his hands.
Harpreet said the family moved to Canada from India just six years before the fatal crash and had recently become Canadian citizens.

The Kharbandas were already struggling to settle in with so many friends and family left behind in India. Losing Amripal has "shattered" the family.

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"All they are left with is pain on their innocent faces," said the mother of her daughters. "Smiles are gone ...I find myself helpless."

"We miss him every second, his hugs, affection, morning kisses."

'Our family has fallen apart into pieces'

Crown prosecutors Kevin Doyle and Scott Wilson and defence lawyers Alain Hepner and Kelsey Sitar are making a joint recommendation for a four-and-a-half year prison sentence.

"Our family has fallen apart into pieces," saidKharbanda's16-year-old daughter, Jagnoor. "My sweet and handsome kind dad with a heart of gold is gone forever."

Kharbandahad a post-graduate degree in business but Jagnoor said he chose to work in Canada as a taxi driver so that he could help get his children to school when his wife worked off hours.

Jillian had just finished her university degree and was thinking about buying a condo.

Shewas a "miracle baby," said her father Dan, born after he and his wifeadopted a daughter with the belief they were unable to have children of their own.

"I understand the concept of dying of a broken heart," said Jillian's mother Brenda Lavallee. "I try to find a snippet of joy in each day because that's what she would want."

Montoya apologizes

At the end of the day, Montoya was allowed to read an apology letter he'd written to his victims' families.

"I know it is difficult for you to even look at me after the pain Icaused you," he said. "Iknow it will be difficult for you to find forgiveness in your hearts."

"If Ihad the opportunity to take their place, believe me, Iwould."

Through tears, Montoyacommitted to using the lessons he's learned to do good in the community after he is released from prison.

He said he wants to use his experience to teach young people about the dangers of drinking and driving.

"I am sincerely sorry."

Outside the courtroom after the day's proceedings, Caitlin Lavallee said she accepts Montoya's apology.

"I commend him for standing there and standing up and admitting to his faults," said Caitlin.

"I'm too young to not forgive peopleand live my life in anger."

The judge will deliver his sentencing decision on Nov.25.