A Maricopa County Superior Court judge recused himself from the second-degree murder case Friday just before sentencing.

Vincent Acosta has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the deaths of three Grand Canyon University students, including 18-year-old Magdaline Ogden. Abrianna Hoffman, 18 years old. In October 2022, Acosta was intoxicated when he drove the wrong way on Interstate 17 and collided with a student's car, killing all three.

The courtroom was filled with the victim's family and friends, but the trial lasted less than three minutes as the judge announced the defendant's dismissal without explanation.

In August, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office reached an agreement with Acosta, in which he pleaded guilty to three counts of second-degree murder.

According to the plea agreement, each count of second-degree murder carries a possible sentence of 18 to 22 years in prison.

Earlier this week, Maricopa Superior Court Judge Pamela Dunn announced that she would decline the scheduled sentencing for Friday after the victim's family was informed that the sentencing could be postponed. It became clear.

“The court needs to recuse the case and appoint a new judge.The court extends its apologies to everyone on both sides who came here today for this matter, but given the legal nature of this “And I don't think this is an appropriate form for any comment because this court is no longer going to take this case, and this court is not going to continue his case at this time,” Dunn said Friday. Ta.