STATELINE, Nev. – Stephen Pawlowski is facing a term of up to life in prison when he is sentenced in Tahoe Justice Court on August 11, 2026. Pawlowski pleaded guilty to several counts on June 1 in court at Stateline, Nevada. Due to the plea agreement, he could be behind bars anywhere from a minimum of 13 years to a maximum of life, according to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office.
Brian Vasquez-Gonzalez, 24, of Carson City, was killed on March 20, 2025, when a truck driven by Pawlowski crossed the center line on US50 near Spooner Summit and struck the westbound car Vasquez-Gonzalez was a passenger in. Brian’s partner and toddler were in the car, but they did not sustain severe injuries. They were heading to South Lake Tahoe (Brian’s hometown) to work.
Pawlowski had been drinking in both Reno and Stateline before driving back to Reno when he drove his vehicle into oncoming traffic. He posted a $1 million bail in June 2025, but that was revoked in July when he was rearrested for drinking, which violated the terms of release.
Pawlowski pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, driving under the influence causing significant injury, and reckless driving causing significant injury. He had been convicted of driving under the influence on four prior occasions.