Woman's family awarded $77 million

The family of a Portales woman killed in a 2023 motor vehicle crash has been awarded $77 million in a default judgment by a Santa Fe County court.

Court records show Lisa Ayn Poitras represented herself in the civil case filed by the family of Martha Lozano Polanco who was killed April 14, 2023.

Court records allege a bus driven by Poitras ran a red light at the intersection of West Second Street and South Avenue C. Poitras’ vehicle collided with a 2010 Toyota driven by Polanco, 61, which resulted in Polanco’s death, records allege.

Polanco was driving home from work when the crash occurred, according to Eric Dixon, attorney for the Polanco family. She died hours later in a Lubbock hospital.

The court awarded her sons $70 million in punitive damages in connection with the crash, records show.

Poitras’ criminal case is pending. She was arrested the day of the wreck and is charged with homicide by vehicle and driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.

Tye Harmon, her attorney, said a motion to suppress evidence in the case is set for April 22. A trial date will likely be set after that. Harmon said Poitras has been released from custody on bond and spends her time between Arizona and New Hampshire.