In a tragic case that has weighed heavily on the Northern California community, an 80-year-old driver has been sentenced in connection with a fatal accident that claimed the lives of a family of four. The incident, which occurred two years ago in San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood, reached a legal conclusion today as Mary Fong Lau faced sentencing.
After entering a plea of no contest, Lau was handed a sentence of two years probation, six days in jail—already served—and 200 hours of community service. The judge took into account Lau’s advanced age and her previously clean record when determining the sentence.
However, the verdict has sparked frustration, particularly from District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who voiced concern over the perceived lack of accountability. “This is not a crime that we believe involved intentional conduct,” Jenkins remarked, “but simply being elderly should not negate the need for sufficient accountability.” She emphasized that the sentence might not offer the family a true sense of justice or serve as a deterrent to other drivers.
Jenkins also highlighted the unsettling notion that Lau might one day be allowed to drive again, pointing to the broader implications for road safety in San Francisco. The community remains divided in its response, grappling with the balance between compassion for an elderly defendant and the demand for justice on behalf of the victims.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed frustration that Lau was not required to enter a plea, and that she could one day drive again.
“This is not a crime that we believe was intentional conduct, and there are limitations of what she is able to do physically- but again, simply because you are elderly does not mean that there shouldn’t be sufficient accountability. That is what my office’s position remains to be. There has to be a form of accountability that actually gives this family a sense of justice that sends a message to other drivers on the road in San Francisco, said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
Lau’s attorney said she was remorseful.
“There are no good outcomes for such an immense tragedy. Everyone who came to court felt the pain that is present in the community and from these families and we feel it- too. Mrs. Lau feels the pain of this tragic loss. She has taken accountability by pleading no contest. Not requiring the district attorney’s office to do a preliminary hearing or to take the case to trial which would have taken years with an unknown outcome. She hopes that by entering a no contest plead it could begin a process of healing for these families,” said Seth Morris, Lau’s attorney.
Two years ago, this week the family of four was on their way to the San Francisco Zoo with their two young children when they were killed by Lau driving 70 miles an hour in the residential area of West Portal in San Francisco.
No car issues have been discovered that might have led to this crash. A witness on the scene said Lau told her she had hit the gas instead of the brakes. Aside from the criminal case, there are two civil cases against Lau where it was discovered she had transferred her assets during this process.
“She doesn’t have home detention- she doesn’t have any restriction of her freedom. She just has to ask permission to maybe travel out of state, it’s minimal in the consequences. They asked her for 200 hours of community service that rounds up to about five weeks. Five weeks of undefined community service which could mean whatever. We don’t know what for- taking four lives. That is what we have and that is just not fair. That is not justice and doesn’t give anything to the family to make them feel that they were heard,” said Jim Quadra, victims family attorney in the civil case against Lau.
As part of the sentence, Lau will not be allowed to drive for three years but is allowed to renew her license after that period.
Her attorney said she did not intend to drive again.
This was also the first time she looked at the family and said she was sorry.
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