PORTLAND, Ore. — A 60-year-old Portland woman has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for causing a fatal drunk driving crash that killed one person and injured two others in Fairview last year.
Conviction and Sentencing
On November 7, 2025, Rosa Victalina Hitzfeld pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second and Third Degrees, and Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (DUII).
The case was heard in Multnomah County Circuit Court, where Judge Jenna Plank handed down a 90-month prison sentence. Hitzfeld, who had two prior DUII convictions and a previous diversion, admitted responsibility for the deadly crash that occurred in October 2024.
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Details of the Crash
The fatal collision took place on October 13, 2024, when Hitzfeld drove her vehicle the wrong way on Fairview Parkway after turning from Glisan Street.
According to investigators, her blood alcohol concentration was approximately 0.18, more than twice the legal limit.
Hitzfeld’s vehicle slammed head-on into a car driven by Michael Abbate. His wife, Vicki Abbate, and his mother, Marcia Abbate, were passengers. Tragically, Marcia Abbate died from her injuries sustained in the crash. Both Michael and Vicki suffered serious injuries but survived.
Investigation and Prosecution
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Andrew Wood, who emphasized the long-term impact the crash had on the Abbate family.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office credited Sheriff’s Deputy Gery Fiebich for his thorough investigation and acknowledged the compassionate support provided to the victims’ family by advocate Allison Miller.
Community and Legal Response
Judge Plank said the sentence reflected the gravity of Hitzfeld’s actions and her repeated history of impaired driving. The court noted that despite prior opportunities for rehabilitation, Hitzfeld continued to endanger others by driving under the influence.
The DA’s office described the case as another tragic reminder of the consequences of drunk driving, urging the public to make responsible choices and seek alternatives to impaired driving.
The 90-month prison term is intended to provide accountability and justice for the Abbate family while reinforcing Oregon’s commitment to preventing repeat DUII offenses.
