ST. LOUIS - Twenty months after a drunk driving crash killed a mother and daughter leaving a Drake concert, the driver is sentenced to 21 years in prison.

The family of Lety Bracero and Alyssa Cordova packed the courtroom Friday for the hearing. 

“There’s always going to be a bitter taste in our mouth when it comes to St. Louis, and I don’t think anybody’s going to be back here after this,” said Nicole Rivera, Bracero’s cousin.

Mother and daughter, Bracero and Cordova were killed when a speeding drunk driver hit them after the concert last year. Henderson, who was 23 years old at the time, pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of armed criminal action.

He was sentenced to seven years for each count. The two sentences for armed criminal action will be served concurrently.

“I think most of the evidence and the truth points toward Monte is extremely remorseful,” said defense attorney T.J. Matthes.

In court, Henderson addressed the victims’ families while fighting back tears.

“It kills me especially every day when I think about how I caused the death of a mother and daughter,” Henderson said. “I’ve been praying for them, you all, and everyone else.”

The maximum possible sentence was 50 years. During the hearing, prosecutors asked for 25 years and the defense asked for eight.

Prosecutors hope this case sends a message about reckless driving downtown.

“If you drive recklessly in our city and cause harm and kill members of our community, we’re going to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

Henderson’s family told the court he had no criminal record, was a role model and was the first in his family to go to college.

“This was a case of extreme reckless driving but maybe a defendant whose criminal history wasn’t as serious, so you look at things like that,” Gore said.

Outside the courthouse, Bracero and Cordova’s loved ones returned to the scene of the crash and released balloons in their honor.

“I want to say that I miss them to death. My heart is broken,” Rivera said.

Henderson’s attorney said they still need to discuss whether they will file an appeal.