Justice Served: Woodside Man Receives 11-Year Sentence for Deadly DUI Crash

The devastating consequences of impaired driving were starkly underscored recently as a Woodside man, Matthew C. Davis, was handed an 11-year state prison sentence for a horrific 2021 DUI crash that claimed the lives of a mother and her young daughter. The tragic incident, which unfolded in Redwood City, brought an abrupt end to two innocent lives and left an indelible mark on the community and the grieving family.

On the evening of June 25, 2021, the serenity of Woodside Road near its intersection with Canada Road was shattered.

Authorities reported that Davis, then 30 years old, was behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz C300 when he veered into the path of a Honda CR-V carrying 45-year-old Susana Rosas and her 11-year-old daughter, Grace. The head-on collision was catastrophic, instantly extinguishing their lives.

The investigation that followed quickly pointed to impaired driving as the primary cause.

Davis was subsequently charged with multiple felonies, including two counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or greater causing injury. These charges reflected the severe negligence and the profound impact of his actions.

The court proceedings culminated in a plea of no contest from Davis, a legal maneuver that, while not an admission of guilt, accepts the conviction.

This pivotal moment led to his sentencing by San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Lisa Novak on April 17, 2024. The 11-year term represents a measure of justice for the unimaginable loss suffered by the Rosas family.

The victims, Susana and Grace Rosas, were remembered as vibrant individuals whose lives were tragically cut short.

Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled, a stark reminder of the devastating ripple effects of impaired driving. This case serves as a somber warning about the critical importance of responsible choices behind the wheel, hoping to prevent similar heart-wrenching tragedies in the future.