Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 07/15/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

MINOR CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF MANSLAUGHTER

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that his office has filed a petition in the Sonoma County Juvenile Court charging Kelly Catherine O'Connor with Vehicular Manslaughter in the November 4, 2004, accident that killed her passengers, Lorelai Leonhardt and Scott O'Neal.

The petition alleges two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter with gross negligence, a felony. A juvenile can be placed in a detention facility for up to six years for each count. The petition also alleges two misdemeanor violations: Exhibition of Speed, which is punishable for up to 90 days in a detention facility; and Violation of a Court Order, which carries detention for up to six months.

The Violation of a Court Order allegation concerns the minor's disobedience to a juvenile traffic court commissioner's order on October 26, 2004, that O'Connor not drive a vehicle until January 3, 2005.

Today, Ms. O'Connor was arrested and taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol. She will be detained in the Juvenile Detention Facility, pending her appearance before the Juvenile Court Judge.