Drunk driver sentenced to several life sentences for killing family of 4

A drunk driver, who killed a family of four in a crash, has been sentenced to four life sentences Monday, the District Attorney's office announced Monday. 

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Back in March 2021, Daniel Canada, 37, was driving from Longview visiting from Houston, and was reportedly ongoing 100 miles an hour on FM 2920. That's when he crashed into a car driven by Porsha Branch, 28, around 8:20 p.m. 

According to court records, Canada's blood alcohol level was near twice the legal limit and a test found marijuana and Xanax in his system. He walked away from the crash with minor injuries. 

Meanwhile, Branch's car burst into flames in a seven-car pileup, killing her and her three sons, 7-month-old Drake, Messiah, 2, and King, 5. 

Porsha Branch, 28, was killed in a crash after her car burst into flames, along with her three sons 7-month-old Drake, 2-year-old Messiah, and 5-year-old King. (Photo courtesy of Harris County DA's Office)

District Attorney Kim Ogg called the case heartbreaking as a judge Monday handed down four life sentences to Canada. This comes after he was convicted of four counts of intoxication manslaughter in a three-week trial. We're told the life sentences will run concurrently. 

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"We see more deaths from drunk driving between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than any other month a year," Ogg said. "This heartbreaking case shows that a single person’s irresponsibility and bad decisions can result in the deaths of multiple people who are completely innocent, including kids."

Crime and Public SafetyHoustonHarris County