Texas mother sues Amazon after daughter was killed in crash with contract driver
SAN MARCOS, Texas - A mother is fighting for justice after her daughter, a Texas State student, was killed in a hit-and-run almost three years ago. Trula Velez is suing Amazon, after the driver, who was a contract worker for the company, was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
"Very smart, our star athlete, she played the piano, created beats, artist, she was full of life and light," Trula Velez said about her daughter, Iliana Velez.
Iliana Velez, 18, was a freshman at Texas State University studying architecture and design. She also worked at the Amazon warehouse nearby.
On January 3, 2022, Velez picked up the night shift.
"She was actually scheduled off, and she wanted to make extra money, so she decided to work this extra shift she didn’t have to work," Velez said.
Police said when she was heading back to work after taking a lunch break, a truck collided into her car, causing it to flip.
"Officers came to my door, and they told me she was involved in an accident, and she did not make it, and I was in a complete state of shock," Velez said.
The driver of the box truck didn’t stop, but the truck was caught on surveillance minutes later near the crash, then it was seen arriving at Amazon’s Kyle distribution facility.
The driver was identified as 30-year-old Jordan Sannicola. He was arrested and charged with accident involving death, a felony offense.
"I don’t have any words for Jordan Sannicola," Velez said.
In October, Sannicola went to trial in Hays County.
"I gave him the message I know she wanted me to give him, and it was, ‘I feel sorry for you. You're a broken person,’" Velez said.
Sannicola was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Jordan Sannicola
"One battle is won, and I’m done with that, and now we move on to the second part," Velez said.
Velez is now suing Amazon for more than $1 million.
Sannicola was a contract worker on his way to pick up a load for Amazon on the night of the crash. Investigators said he had a history of traffic violations, a suspended driver’s license, and outstanding felony warrants.
"How does someone like that get a job? I couldn't, but again, we live in a system where it's a revolving door. Just a little tap on the wrists, and you're out committing another crime. Tap on the wrist, [you] are committing another crime. I am so frustrated. I am so mad that this system has not changed," Velez said.
The lawsuit claims Amazon is liable for Sannicola’s negligence, carelessness, and reckless disregard.
Steve Kelly, Amazon spokesperson said a statement: "Our deepest condolences are with the Velez family and we know that no words can take away the hurt they continue to feel. Safety is our top priority and any carrier who does business with us is required to follow our strict policies and procedures. We continue to work diligently to thoroughly vet every carrier with whom we work and champion efforts to make the roads safer every day."
They said they no longer work with the carrier Sannicola was working for at the time.
"I just keep focus, get justice for Iliana, I miss her tremendously," Velez said.