May 7, 2007 - Union-Tribune: Victim's mother on mission to punish fatal hit-and-runs

By Joe Hughes

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

May 7, 2007

SAN DIEGO – Kathy Padilla lived the heartbreak three times over.

There was the shattering news one July morning almost two years ago when an officer knocked at her door to notify her that her 19-year-old daughter, Angelina, was struck down by a car while walking home from a friend's house.

Then she learned the driver never stopped, leaving her daughter to die on a Clairemont street.

Further frustration came when Robin Charles Brady, 50, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, a term Padilla said she believes was far too lenient.

“The hurt never seemed to stop,” Padilla said.

She vowed to do something.

Teaming up with Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña, D-San Diego, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, she is campaigning for longer prison terms for hit-and-run convictions.

The result is Assembly Bill 1200, which would be known as Angie's Law, and is winding its way through the Assembly after being introduced in February.

“We have a very good chance of passage,” Saldaña said. “The maximum sentences now allowed by existing law are not enough, especially for the life of this young girl.”

Saldaña said her bill would raise the minimum sentence to five, seven or nine years and a fine of up to $10,000. Minimums for a conviction average about four years, depending on the driver's history.

The bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee and is headed for the Appropriations Committee.

San Diego police traffic Sgt. Jeff Fellows expressed empathy with Padilla's plight.

“The public, more and more, is demanding punishment that fits the gravity of the crime,” he said.

The American Civil Liberties Union has voiced some opposition, prompting Saldaña to work with the group.

Padilla traveled to Sacramento last month to give testimony.

“I'm keeping my fingers crossed,” she said.

If the bill becomes law, the minimum sentence in cases such as hers would double and fines would increase.

Padilla's daughter was struck down from behind while walking along Clairemont Mesa Boulevard near Rolfe Road about 1:20 a.m. on July 23, 2005. She died the next day.

Brady was not arrested until the following March, when police were called to his home to investigate a report he was threatening a neighbor. An anonymous tip linked him to Padilla's death.

He had eight drunken-driving convictions. Brady pleaded guilty to fatal hit and run and driving without a license.

He was sentenced to the maximum allowed under current law.

“The Legislature gives us limited choices in this case,” Judge David J. Danielsen said at the sentencing in August.

Union-Tribune
Victim's mother on mission to punish fatal hit-and-runs
By Joe Hughes UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER May 7, 2007 SAN DIEGO – Kathy Padilla lived the heartbreak three times over. There was the shattering news one July morning almost two years ago when an officer knocked at her door to notify her that her 19-year-old daughter, Angelina, was struck down by a car while walking home from a friend's house. Then she learned the driver never stopped, leaving her daughter to die on a Clairemont street. Further frustration came when Robin Charles Brady, 50, was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, a term Padilla said she believes was far too lenient. “The hurt never seemed to stop,” Padilla said. She vowed to do something. Teaming up with Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña, D-San Diego, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, she is campaigning for longer prison terms for hit-and-run convictions. The result is Assembly Bill 1200, which would be known as Angie's Law, and is winding its way through the Assembly after being introduced in February. “We have a very good chance of passage,” Saldaña said. “The maximum sentences now allowed by existing law are not enough, especially for the life of this young girl.” Saldaña said her bill would raise the minimum sentence to five, seven or nine years and a fine of up to $10,000. Minimums for a conviction average about four years, depending on the driver's history. The bill was unanimously approved by the Assembly Public Safety Committee and is headed for the Appropriations Committee. San Diego police traffic Sgt. Jeff Fellows expressed empathy with Padilla's plight. “The public, more and more, is demanding punishment that fits the gravity of the crime,” he said. The American Civil Liberties Union has voiced some opposition, prompting Saldaña to work with the group. Padilla traveled to Sacramento last month to give testimony. “I'm keeping my fingers crossed,” she said. If the bill becomes law, the minimum sentence in cases such as hers would double and fines would increase. Padilla's daughter was struck down from behind while walking along Clairemont Mesa Boulevard near Rolfe Road about 1:20 a.m. on July 23, 2005. She died the next day. Brady was not arrested until the following March, when police were called to his home to investigate a report he was threatening a neighbor. An anonymous tip linked him to Padilla's death. He had eight drunken-driving convictions. Brady pleaded guilty to fatal hit and run and driving without a license. He was sentenced to the maximum allowed under current law. “The Legislature gives us limited choices in this case,” Judge David J. Danielsen said at the sentencing in August.