Motorist who killed nanny in crosswalk gets 3 years probation

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – A motorist who struck and killed a nanny pushing a
baby in a stroller in Torrey Highlands was sentenced Friday to three years
probation and 48 hours in jail.

Christine Padilla, 35, pleaded guilty last month to a misdemeanor charge
of vehicular manslaughter and infractions of running a red light and failure
to yield at a crosswalk. In addition to the probation and two-day jail term,
she must spend 180 days under electronic surveillance.

Even though defendants on misdemeanor cases routinely are allowed to sit
out court hearings if represented by an attorney, Judge Charles Gill ordered
that Padilla be present for sentencing.

The Feb. 1 accident at Camino del Sur and Via Verrazzano happened about
11:45 a.m., according to San Diego police. The impact threw Monserrat Mendez
about 30 feet and dragged the stroller with a 13-month-old boy strapped inside
across the intersection, leaving it wedged under Padilla's Toyota 4Runner.

Paramedics took the 41-year-old Mendez to Scripps Memorial Hospital La
Jolla, where she was pronounced dead. The toddler was taken to Rady Children's
Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, including scrapes and
bruises, SDPD public affairs Lt. Andra Brown said.

An investigation revealed that Padilla was not speeding or talking on
her cellphone when the accident occurred. Padilla had delivered a baby the day
before, according to police.