Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 10/18/06

Contact person(s):

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

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

PRISON SENTENCE FOR DEFENDANT WHO DROVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that Raymond Pasquini was sentenced to 6 years, and 4 months in state prison after pleading no contest to a felony charge of driving under the influence and causing great bodily injury.

On April 12, 2005, witnesses observed Pasquini driving from Glen Ellen on Highway 12, weaving in the roadway and at times driving into oncoming traffic. He struck the center median near Calistoga Rd. and crossed into the path of oncoming traffic. Victim Lynne Danehy was unable to avoid the collision and struck Pasquini’s vehicle. Both she and Pasquini were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Mr. Pasquini suffered very serious injuries requiring a long hospitalization. Ms. Danehy suffered catastrophic injuries and was in a coma prior to regaining consciousness. She underwent several surgeries and continues to suffer from her injuries. She continues with rehabilitative therapy.

The sentencing was heard before Superior Court Judge Cerena Wong. The prosecution presented recordings of the 911 calls, photographs of the crash scene and injuries suffered by Ms. Danehy. Ray Danehy, Lynne’s father, made a moving statement, asking for justice for his severely injured daughter. Roy Danehy, Lynne’s brother, also spoke, as did Tom Kosta, one of the witnesses following Mr. Pasquini. Ms. Danehy made a brief statement to the judge, noting her continued suffering and severe injuries. She also asked the court to make the defendant pay restitution.

The defendant must serve eighty-five percent of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. He was transported to the California Department of Corrections this morning.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Juliette Olson. She was assisted by District Attorney Victim Advocates Miriam Gaon and Eric Hergenreder, District Attorney Investigator David Boffi, and Information Systems Specialist John Magsamen.