Charlotte Man Receives Prison Term After Alcohol-Fueled Collision Claims Young Woman’s Life

Charlotte, North Carolina — November 6, 2025 — According to WSOC-TV 9, a Charlotte-area driver who was intoxicated when he caused a fatal head-on collision last year has admitted guilt and received a prison sentence ranging from four to six years. The crash took the life of 23-year-old Karina Gomez, a Huntersville resident remembered by her family as a compassionate young woman who dreamed of building a career in the pharmaceutical field.

Karina’s parents and sister described her as a source of inspiration and joy. Her father, Lizandro Gomez, said she was “one of the models” he looked up to. Her mother, Roxana, spoke of the daily moments she now longs for, recalling the calls, texts, and shopping trips they once shared. Karina’s sister, Steysi Zanipatin, described their relationship as “unbreakable.”

Investigators said the deadly crash happened in July 2024 near the intersection of Statesville Road and Mount Holly–Huntersville Road. Zanipatin had been driving ahead of her sister when a vehicle driven by Michael Benjamin veered into Karina’s lane and struck her car head-on. Authorities said Benjamin had been drinking at Frankie’s Fun Park just miles away and ran from the scene after the impact. A police K-9 later located him.

Benjamin eventually accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced in court this week. During the hearing, Lizandro Gomez told the judge that his faith allows him to offer forgiveness, though he understands there must still be accountability.

The family said the sentence brings a measure of closure, but nothing can truly make up for the loss of Karina’s life. “Nothing is ever going to be enough, and nothing is going to bring her back,” her sister said.

According to his attorney, Benjamin has acknowledged responsibility and entered a rehabilitation program while awaiting sentencing.

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Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident. If you find any incorrect details, please contact the Ramsay Law Firm so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business. The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.