Judge Steps Down as Sentencing for Driver in Fatal GCU Crash Approaches on Oct. 8

PHOENIX — Sentencing for Vincent Ian Acosta, 27, has been postponed following his conviction for the tragic traffic crash that resulted in the deaths of three Grand Canyon University students in 2022.

On August 14, Acosta pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder linked to the incident that occurred on October 10, 2022, near New River along Interstate 17. Victims included freshmen Abriauna Hoffman, 18, Elaine Hunter Balberdi, 19, and Magdalyn (Maggie) Ogden, 18.

Records indicate that Acosta’s blood test results suggested he may have been impaired at the time of the accident.

Originally set for sentencing on September 27, the case has encountered a delay due to the recusal of the presiding judge. The reasons for this recusal remain undisclosed.

The matter has now been reassigned to Judge Sam Myers, with a new sentencing date scheduled for October 8.