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

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Published  December 19, 2022 4:47pm CST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 26 Houston

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

Back in March 2021, Daniel Canada, 37, was going 100 mph while high and with a blood alcohol near twice the legal limit on FM 2920 and caused a crash that claimed the life of Porsha Branch, 28, and her three sons.

HOUSTON - 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. 

MORE: Father, husband of victims killed in north Harris Co. crash speaks with FOX 26

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. 

Husband, father reacts after losing 4 family members in Harris County crash

**EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from our report in March 2021** EXCLUSIVE: FOX 26 Reporter Tiffany Justice spoke with the family of the victims after four people were killed in a crash in Harris County.

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. 

RELATED: Family speaks out to stop holiday DWI's after mom and 3 sons killed by suspected drunk driver

"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."