Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/02/07

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER CASE

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that Ricky Leonard Chrisco, the man who killed two motorcyclists in a head-on collision near Jenner last July was sentenced yesterday. Superior Court Judge Arthur Wick sentenced Chrisco to one year in the Sonoma County jail, but suspended 90 days of the sentence and placed Chrisco on three years formal probation. In addition, the judge converted 60 days of the jail term to 280 hours of community service.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, "There are too many preventable injuries and deaths on our roadways. This jail sentence should remind drivers to slow down and follow the rules of the road."

Chrisco was previously convicted of two counts of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the killings of James Coleman, 59, and Mary Tinsley, 57. On the night of July 8, 2006, Chrisco crossed solid double yellow lines in his Honda Civic to pass a slower moving vehicle. He collided head-on with Coleman’s motorcycle, killing Coleman and his passenger, Tinsley.

At the sentencing hearing, Ms. Tinsley’s daughters, Amy Wiez and Christina Sincery addressed the court, explaining the terrible emotional impact of the event on their entire family. Friends of Mr. Coleman and Ms. Tinsley also attended the sentencing.

Ms. Nanney was assisted by District Attorney Investigator Brian Davis and Victim Advocate Charlotte Stafford. California Highway Patrol Officer Goldhammer was the investigating officer.