Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/13/08

Contact person(s):

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

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

PETALUMA WOMAN SENTENCED TO JAIL IN HIT AND RUN FATALITY

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that Georgia Janice Argyle, 61, of Petaluma, was sentenced on March 7, 2008 to one year in jail following her conviction on a charge of hit and run causing death, a violation of Vehicle Code section 20001(a). Benjamin Thornton was struck and killed by Argyle on May 29, 2007, as he walked along Highway 116 near Stony Point Road outside of Rohnert Park.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, "We’re pleased that this individual was held accountable for her actions. Leaving the scene of Mr. Thornton’s tragic death caused his family and friends much suffering."

The Honorable Gary Medvigy remanded Argyle into custody at the conclusion of the sentencing hearing and denied defense requests for alternatives to jail. The judge suspended 180 days of the jail time, noting that the Argyle had no prior criminal history. In addition to the jail time, Judge Medvigy imposed 36 months formal probation, 100 hours of community service, a $1,000 fine, along with probation terms and additional court fines. Argyle’s driver’s license also will be suspended. Judge Medvigy ordered $5,826 in restitution to the victim’s family. The family stated they will donate the money to Becoming Independent, a non-profit corporation that assists developmentally disabled adults develop the skills to obtain employment and live independent lives.

The night of the incident, Mr. Thornton, 45, a developmentally disabled man, was walking home after visiting friends in Rohnert Park, when he was hit by Argyle. The impact smashed Argyle’s windshield, and threw Mr. Thornton off the roadway. Argyle stopped at the scene, and later reported that she had found a shoe and what was later determined to be Mr. Thornton’s fanny pack. She claimed that she did not find Mr. Thornton. She later told investigators that she thought she had hit a bicyclist, and thought he had ridden away after the crash. Argyle then drove home, went to sleep, and did not report the incident until the next morning. Mr. Thornton was found dead at the scene several hours later.

Reese and Deborah Thornton, the victim’s father and step-mother, gave compelling victim-impact statements at the hearing. The courtroom was crowded with Benjamin Thornton’s family and friends.

The one year of jail imposed by Judge Medvigy is the maximum allowable for the charge.
The People were represented by Deputy District Attorney Robert Maddock..