Press release: Case of Interest

Date: February 28, 2002
Contact: Deputy District Attorney Richard Yenovkian
Telephone: 875-5211
Type of Proceeding: Disposition (sentencing)
Minor's name: [withheld because of the minor's age (17)]

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that the 17-year old boy who fatally hit a 77-year old man in Roseville received the maximum punishment of California Youth Authority.

On 11/6/01 at 6:30 p.m. Andrew Torres was jaywalking across Atlantic Street in Roseville. Since he had just mowed a lawn for an elderly person, he was pushing his lawn mower in front of him. It was dark and the minor did not see Mr. Torres in time to stop. The suspect crashed into Mr. Torres at about 32 mph. The collision knocked the victim up onto the minor's hood and windshield. Then the victim fell onto the street and was run over by the minor. The minor swerved and was able to avoid running over Mr. Torres a second time. After hearing on the television news the victim died at the scene, the minor turned himself in 5 hours after the incident.

The minor was convicted in trial at Placer County. Since the minor lived in Sacramento, his sentencing was transferred to Sacramento. Judge John Mendez heard statements from the victim's widow and daughter as well as from the minor and his family before imposing the CYA sentence.

Deputy District Attorney Richard Yenovkian stated "The minor received the maximum penalty because he had previous violations of probation, has been driving without a driver's license since he was 13, has significant anger control issues, has a history of failing to appear for court, and had been smoking marijuana right before the incident".