Commercial truck driver Marcos, Barbosa Costa, 46, was  convicted in July of losing control of his big rig in La Canada Flintridge and slamming into several cars, killing a father and his 12-year-old daughter, was sentenced today to seven years, four months in state prison.

Costa was found guilty of the April 1, 2009, crash that killed Angelina Posca and her 58-year-old father, Angel Posca, both of Palmdale. He was found guilty of two counts each of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter, as well as reckless driving causing injury that injured three people.

Pasadena Superior Court Judge Darrell Mavis also ordered the Massachusetts resident to pay $87,204 to a victim’s restitution fund, and $23,762 to the city of La Canada Flintridge. Costa, who had remained free on bail following the July 29 verdict, was taken into immediate custody after sentencing.

Deputy District Attorney Carolina Lugo prosecuted the case.

Witnesses testified Costa ignored warnings from an off-duty firefighter who pulled him over and said smoke was billowing from his brakes and warned him the road was worse going down. 

By the time the truck reached Foothill Boulevard at Angeles Crest Highway, the brakes appeared to have failed as the truck ran a red light and slammed into the Posca’s red Ford, dragging it 150 feet. The truck struck six more vehicles before slamming into a bookstore and nail salon. 

Statements from Posca family members were read before Costa was sentenced.