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(Image Source: UT San Diego / Iraj Karimi)
BY JASMINE BAILEY
A California woman who ran a red light back in February, killing a nanny and severely
injuring a toddler, was sentenced Friday to two days in jail.
35-year-old Christine Padilla will also serve 3 years of probation and 180 days of electronics
surveillance. Last month she pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter, running a red light
and failure to yield at a crosswalk. (Via KNSD)
"Investigators show that Padilla was not speeding or talking on her cell phone at the time but
she told the judge she was sleep deprived from giving birth the day before this accident."
(Via KUSI)
The impact from the accident threw 41-year-old Monserrat Mendez, the nanny, 30 feet. The
stroller she was pushing was wedged under Padilla's Toyota 4Runner with the child still
strapped inside. (Via Southwest Riverside News Network)
Mendez, a mother of two, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The toddler is continuing
to recover after suffering from a skull fracture, broken bones, a lacerated spleen and broken
ribs.
"The family received the kind of justice they wanted when Padilla was sentenced today...
they're pleased with the fact that there is custody to give the defendant a chance to
reflect." (Via KFMB)
Initially the judge was reportedly not going to give Padilla any jail time — the punishment
recommended from the probation department — but changed his mind after reading more
than 60 letters from both the defendant and the victim's families.
According to UT San Diego, "Judge Gill said Padilla's willingness to plead guilty played
a big factor in her sentencing Friday. He said he believes Padilla is genuinely remorseful.
Padilla also got her chance to address the court and Mendez's family, saying she's 'deeply
sorry' for their loss and hopes God will help them heal."
The Mendez family has filed a civil suit against both Padilla and her husband for negligence
saying he should have done more to stop his wife from driving that day. Padilla is scheduled
to appear in court again on September 27 for a restitution hearing.