An 80-year-old woman from California, Mary Fong Lau, who caused the deaths of four family members when she crashed into them at a bus stop, will not serve any jail or prison time, a judge determined on Friday.
Plea Deal and Sentencing
Lau pleaded no contest to four counts of vehicular manslaughter for the deaths of 40-year-old Diego Cardoso de Oliveira, 38-year-old Matilde Moncado Ramos Pinto, and their two young children, an infant and a toddler. The judge, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan, sentenced Lau to two years of probation and a three-year suspension of her driver’s license.
Judge Chan considered Lau’s age, lack of prior criminal history, and remorse expressed by Lau when making the sentencing decision.
Victims’ Family Expresses Disappointment
While Lau’s sentence might seem lenient, the victims’ family members were expecting a harsher punishment, particularly given that Lau was reportedly driving at 70 mph in a neighborhood when the crash occurred.
Diego Oliveira’s sister spoke out after the sentencing, emphasizing that the family was simply on their way to the zoo to celebrate an anniversary. “The consequences … for her actions are not a true match for the size of the tragedy,” she said.
Matilde Pinto’s brother also shared his grief, saying that Lau’s actions resulted in his sister being “denied the right to continue being a mother,” something she had looked forward to her whole life.
Details of the Fatal Crash
On March 16, 2024, the victims were waiting at a bus stop near the West Portal Muni station, heading to the zoo, when Lau, driving her Mercedes SUV at an estimated 70 mph, crashed into them, killing all four family members.
Following the crash, Lau reportedly told an eyewitness that she accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake. However, in an interview with police at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Lau claimed that a malfunction in her vehicle caused it to accelerate suddenly. She said she tried to brake and put the car in park but was unsuccessful in slowing it down.
Family’s Opposition to Reduced Charges
The victims’ families have voiced strong opposition to the reduced charges and lenient sentence. Ramos Pinto’s brother stated, “We’re vehemently against them, because no evidence has been provided that would suggest this isn’t gross negligence.” He expressed a desire for Lau to be held fully accountable for her actions.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
In addition to the criminal case, the victims’ families have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lau. The lawsuit, which is currently being litigated in civil court, accuses Lau of concealing her assets to avoid any settlement or adverse judgment. The families are represented in the civil case by attorney Jim Quadra.
