Brandy May Be Charged in Vehicle Death

Fox 11 News ^ | 1/29/07 | wires

[rottndog]

Although you can't punish stupidity, you can when it kills another human being. Brandy should get nailed for this (and sued for many millions of dollars as well).

[jdm]

Oops, You're right -- the song is "Motorcrash" and not "Motorcycle."

[Publius Valerius]

Manslaughter as a misdemeanor?

It follows in the same line as felony murder. If someone dies as a result of a misdemeanor that you have committed, you are guilty of manslaughter.

[BurbankKarl]

she hit a stopped vehicle going 65!

[jdm]

Oh wow, I never thought about that!

[Fresh Wind]

If the headline is to believed, the vehicle died.

[Publius Valerius]

Well, that pretty much clears that up, then. There should be no question about this.

[RobRoy]

Noteriety should not play a part in this. A lady failed to stop and plowed into the vehicle in front of her, killing someone inside.

Then there is the civil case.

[atomic_dog]

Nice tramp stamp.

[elc]

Now, now. Please don't get in the way of FReepers celebrity-bashing.

[jdm]

Where does it say that?

[Old Professer]

Only if intent or criminal negligence can be proved; civil law can cover direct losses, criminal law needs be reserved for criminals, not simple negligence.

[Yaelle]

How is the 405 an interstate?

[KarlInOhio]

Brandy May Be Charged in Vehicle Death

"Scotchy" still not charged in vehicle death.

[television is just wrong]

that is it, it is not Brandy's fault, it is her cell phone and her land rover that caused the accident....

(sarc.)

[dighton]

You never heard of Brandy? You NEVER HEARD of BRANDY?!?

Me neither.

[jdm]

She should sue Verizon. /s

[NorthFlaRebel]

While I agree that some level of negligence was involved, it wasn't gross and does not reach the level of criminality, IMO. I think knowing that your negligent actions resulted in someone's death is far worse punishment than some legal probation, fine or minimal jail sentence. There is no purpose or reason to send someone to jail when simple negligent actions unfortunately resulted in death or serious injury.

Again, if a person is under the influence, or driving at excessively high speeds, or otherwise driving dangerously, that would be gross negligence and should most likely warrant a stiff punishment which includes some jail time. But lacking gross negligence, we must understand we all accept some amount of risk when we get into cars and drive at 50, 60, 70+ MPH. No, I should not have to accept that some morons will be drunk, or some idiots want to drive like Mario Andretti, but we all accept the fact that we are driving dangerous vehicles at speeds where collisions or sudden stops are going to result in injury or death. Whether you consciously think about it or not, you accept that risk everytime you get in a vehicle.

[Las Vegas Ron]

When I first heard this story, it was reported that these cars were all traveling south on the 405 and hit a patch of black ice. It happened when California was experiencing record low temps.

[paulat]

Do a search on "I-405." Plenty of resources.