Fighting in Honor of Carlos
Family and Community Support Can Matter
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| The Cordero Family – Christmas 2005 |
Carlos' Story
On Father’s Day, June 18, 2006, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 26 year-old Carlos Cordero was killed by a drunk driver who ran a red light on a residential street.
Carlos, a one-time Wisconsin State Karate Champion was engaged to be married in just six months. Almost 300 mourners at the funeral considered him their “best friend.” Carlos lived life to the fullest, finding humor in every situation.
“He was very helpful to anybody, even if we told him not to help someone,” says his older sister, Sally Rodriguez. “He would go to drug houses to help. He would give his last penny or dollar to whoever needed it.”
Carlos was killed when the car he was a passenger in was hit by a 22-year-old first-time offender. Also injured in the crash were his brother, Marco, who was with his girlfriend, Michelle and Carlos’ cousin, Jose, who was driving.
The driver of the other car was convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle and two counts of injury by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. The Milwaukee newspaper reported the offender’s blood alcohol level (BAC) was .204.
Fight for Justice
Sally contacted MADD as soon as she heard the prosecutor was hoping for a two-to-three-year sentence for killing her brother and injuring three others. She was appalled by a past conviction sheet of similar charges that MADD showed her, noting that some offenders only got parole or a year in jail.
“I thought we were doomed,” Sally says, concerned that the offender might get off. But once she was informed that the judge ultimately made the final sentencing decision, she was determined to keep fighting. “We proceeded to write letters, gather petitions with over 500 signatures, held a vigil with media coverage interviewing MADD and the trial's outcome was televised.”
Family Unity and Community Support
Eleven of the Cordero family and friends were allowed to speak after the conviction. With the community’s support, Carlos’ family stayed united and succeeded. The offender was sentenced to 26 years, spending 12 years without any possibility of parole or good behavior. The rest is supervised parole. He had an earlier appeal and is not eligible for another one.
Sally’s message to others: “I would love for anyone going through this to keep going. Know that the final decision is the judge’s. Thankfully, in our case, the judge heard us."
The Corderos continue to rely on their Catholic church and faith to help them heal. Carlos’ fiance was in school learning to be an EMT tech, but after the crash, she couldn’t do it. She has changed her major. Sally works as a teacher’s assistant while in school studying to become a teacher. Carlos’ younger brother, who did everything with Carlos, is having a tough time, as are their parents.
Carlos’ sister Sally has joined family and friends in two MADD fundraising walks. “It helped to get together, reflect and raise money for a good cause," says Sally. Carlos’ family has had continuing contact with their MADD victim advocate and the local staff, and Sally has offered help to MADD “with anything.”
If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving crash, 
MADD Victim Services can help. We have more than 1,500 trained victim advocates nationwide who provide bereaved families and injured victims with support and information. Call our Victim/Survivor Helpline at
1-877-MADD-HELP (877-623-3435) to speak with a Victim Advocate.
Join the moderated MADD Victim Survivor Chat Support Group.
Mondays – 7:00 p.m. CT
Thursdays – 8:30 p.m. CT
Spanish – Wednesdays – 8:30 p.m. CT
MADD gives you a voice and a place where your loved ones can be honored. Visit our online victim’s tribute to submit information.