By Steve Fry
Topeka Capital-Journal (Kansas)
Copyright 2006 The Topeka Capital-Journal
Robert Ostendorf pointedly turned his back to Victor Anzua-Torres on Thursday when the man convicted of murdering his son asked forgiveness from the victim’s family.
Minutes later, Anzua-Torres was sentenced to four consecutive prison terms totaling 13 years and nine months for acts tied to killing Ryan Ostendorf, 28, an American Medical Response paramedic driving to work.
Anzua-Torres was driving 70 to 80 mph in the wrong lane on Dec. 5 when his Cadillac Escalade hit the younger Ostendorf’s oncoming Jeep head-on. Ostendorf, of Lawrence, was westbound on US-40 highway near S.E. Green Road, and Anzua-Torres was eastbound in the westbound lane.
Anzua-Torres, 29, was sentenced for reckless second-degree murder, reckless aggravated battery for injuring a passenger in the Escalade, driving under the influence and driving without a license. The sentences were the maximum possible.
Karen Wittman, an assistant Shawnee County district attorney, had asked the judge to impose the maximum sentences and to make them consecutive. Defense attorney Richard Jones asked that his client get shorter and concurrent sentences.
In his remarks, Anzua-Torres asked forgiveness from the victim’s family and the paramedics with whom Ostendorf worked.
“I know I caused a lot of pain to them,” Anzua-Torres said. “I ask God to help you with this pain, that I may be able to bear my cross even though I am standing here tall. Nevertheless, that pain and remorse is not going to leave me in peace.”
When Anzua-Torres turned to speak to the Ostendorf family, Robert Ostendorf turned away until he was finished, then faced the front. Outside court, Robert Ostendorf said he didn’t believe Anzua-Torres.
“He’s never once shown remorse,” he said. “Talk is cheap.”
At times in court, Anzua-Torres said he didn’t intend to hit the Ostendorf Jeep. But when sentencing him, District Judge Nancy Parrish emphasized to Anzua-Torres the law realized his acts weren’t intentional, but they were reckless and that he had made the “worst choices” he could have made.
“Mr. Anzua-Torres, I hope you understand what impact you have had on their lives. You will have a life after you get out” of prison, Parrish said. “That’s not the situation for Mr. Ostendorf.”
Parrish noted Anzua-Torres’ history of recklessness and disregard for the law. He ignored penalties imposed for an earlier DUI conviction and illegally returned to the United States after he was deported.
For two hours, Ryan Ostendorf’s family and friends, many in tears, painted a picture of him as a compassionate paramedic and a best friend.
One was Duane Jones, a paramedic called to the wreck who treated Anzua-Torres.
“You got the same level of care as someone who didn’t just take the life of our EMT (emergency medical technician). Never did I consider not giving you the highest amount of care,” said Jones, who held the hand of Anzua-Torres’ wife during the ambulance ride to the hospital.
Meagan Kennedy, Ostendorf’s fiancee and a paramedic called to the wreck, said they met on the job, dated for five years, took classes at The University of Kansas together and planned to attend medical school together.
“He was my soulmate. He was the love of my life, and you took him away. I hate you for that,” Kennedy said.
Ostendorf’s mother, Jo Ann Ostendorf, slipped on her son’s white lab coat, then said her son wanted to be a cardiologist.
“He wanted to mend broken hearts, and he died with one,” she said, referring to several tears of his heart suffered in the wreck.
“To you, Victor, Ryan is watching,” Jo Ann Ostendorf said. “Always.”