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Angelina Padilla

Traffic Investigations Unit detectives have arrested a suspect in connection with a fatal hit and run collision that occurred last summer to a member of the San Diego Sports Arena's extended family Angelina Padilla (19 years old). Angelina's mother Kathy Padilla is the San Diego Sports Arena executive assistant to Ron and Ernie Hahn. Angelina worked as our temporary receptionist at the San Diego Sports Arena.

On July 23, 2005 at 1:19 a.m., Angelina Padilla was walking eastbound in the right-hand traffic lane of 4000 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. A vehicle traveling eastbound at 4000 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. struck Padilla. The driver did not stop after the collision to render aid. Padilla suffered serious head trauma and died at the hospital.

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Story by Channel 8 News

“Angie’s Law” Would Crack Down On Hit & Run Drivers

Last Updated:
10-03-06 at 6:38PM

First, Kathy Padilla lost her 19-year-old to a hit-and-run driver. Then she found out the driver responsible would only get four years in prison. Now, this Clairemont mother is pushing for change.

“No mother should have to get a knock on the door from a police officer and have to go through what my husband and I have gone through,” Kathy said.

The driver, Robin Brady, had been drinking that night. He left the scene of the crash, and wasn’t arrested until months later. As a result, prosecutors were unable to charge him with drunk driving, and Brady was sentenced to just four years in prison.

“He knew what he did, and he chose to save his own skin and drive home,” Kathy said.

It’s happened to other families, too. Derek Ridder, 48, was killed in a hit-and-run on Highway 78. Prosecutors believe the driver was on drugs, but they couldn’t prove it. Dean Osuna got just two years in prison.

A hit-and-run driver also killed taxicab driver Zeki Tovi in Pacific Beach. Driver Anthony Valanos had been drinking, but prosecutors had to drop drunk driving charges because Valanos left the scene.

In fact, so many drunk drivers leave the scene of accidents that Angie Padilla’s mother is teaming up with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to push for a new law. They call it “Angie’s Law.”

“People need to know if you run from the scene of an accident, you’re done,” Kathy said.

MADD Victim Advocate Paula Myers says hit and run penalties need to be increased, especially if the driver has done it before.

“If they have prior DUIs, prior hit-and-runs, driving on suspended or revoked licenses, we think those should add additional years to the original punishment,” Myers said.
Kathy Padilla has written a letter to lawmakers. She’s hoping her daughter’s tragic death will lead to change.

“If I can make a difference for another parent, then that’s what I’m going to do,” she said. “That’s what my daughter would want me to do.”

“Angie’s Law” still has not been drafted. MADD is hoping that after the November elections, a local lawmaker will step forward to sponsor the bill.

http://www.kfmb.com/features/crimefighters/story.php?id=65390