DUI driver who left man stuck in windshield gets prison after courtroom breakdown

by | Aug 25, 2018 | DUI, DUI crash, Fatal Crash, News

SAN DIEGO — A drunk driver who hit a man in Oceanside and continued driving for more than a mile, even though the victim’s body had gone through her windshield and ended up on the front seat, was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years to life in state prison.

Esteysi “Stacy” Sanchez, 31, was convicted in April of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run in the death of 69- year-old Jack Tenhulzen.

Before sentencing, the victim’s family addressed the court and Sanchez. Tenhulzen’s niece, Lisa Francisco, described her loving uncle and told Sanchez that she broke her heart.

At one point, the hearing was interrupted because the defendant was sobbing uncontrollably, said Deputy District Attorney Robert Bruce.

The prosecutor told jurors that Sanchez displayed a conscious disregard for human life when she drove drunk and ran over Tenhulzen on a sidewalk on Mission Road near the state Route 76 bridge the morning of June 27, 2016.

The victim went through the windshield and into the passenger seat of her car. Part of one of his legs — which was severed in the accident — was found at the back of the car near the rear window.

Tenhulzen was hit so hard that he was ripped out of his pants and shoes, authorities said.

After a night of drinking, Sanchez left a hotel room the next morning and was told by a male friend that she was too drunk to drive, Bruce told the jury.

Defense attorney Herb Weston argued that Sanchez was tired and fell asleep behind the wheel and rode up on the sidewalk, striking Tenhulzen. He said Sanchez “freaked out” when she saw the victim’s body in her car and kept driving, finally stopping a block from her home.

Sanchez, who lived in Oceanside, still had shards of glass in her hair when she was taken into custody. Her blood-alcohol content was measured at between .18 and .19 percent — more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent — two hours after the collision, Bruce said.

If you are involved in a Car Accident in San Diego, California Call our attorneys at 800-816-1529.

www.thepersonalinjury.com

Contact Us Quickly

For a free Consultation

Or Call our 24 hour helpline NOW!

800-816-1529

Acknowledgement

Law Firm Intro Video

No Recovery - No Fee Law Office of Norman Gregory FernandezNo Recovery – No Fee Guaranteed

You will not pay any fees unless we recover for you on your California Personal Injury case.

virtual signups at The Law Office of Norman Gregory Fernandez
Virtual Case Signup and Processing

We can sign you up in minutes from your smartphone, laptop, desktop, or tablet anywhere in the world. No more wasting time, money, gas, and expenses traveling to our offices to sign up. We will process your case virtually through email, phone, video, and our online portal using modern technology. 98% of cases are settled without you ever having to go to court.

Get medical treatment with no insurance Law Office of Norman Gregory FernandezGet Medical Treatment even if you do not have Medical Insurance

In most cases we can help you get medical treatment for your California Personal Injury case even if you do not have medical insurance. Call us now for information at 800-816-1529.

The California Accident App by The Law Office of Norman Gregory FernandezGet our AI California Accident App

Get any legal question answered by artificial intelligence with our California Accident App on your Apple or Android device. Click Here to learn more.

Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet
LinkedIn
Share
Instagram
Youtube
Youtube