Morgan Hill resident Sandra Arlia pleaded not guilty to a
misdemeanor charge that she caused the death of a cyclist after a
collision on West Edmundson Avenue.
Morgan Hill resident Sandra Arlia pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge that she caused the death of a cyclist after a collision on West Edmundson Avenue.
Arlia, 66, was not present for her arraignment at South County Courthouse Tuesday. Her attorney, Jaime Leanos, entered the plea of not guilty to vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence on Arlia’s behalf.
Police said Arlia struck cyclist Rory Tomasello, 22, with her 2004 Cadillac sport-utility vehicle while Tomasello was riding through a crosswalk on West Edmundson Avenue Oct. 23, 2009.
Tomasello was conscious at the scene of the accident, but was disoriented and transported to the hospital with redness to his neck and stomach, and complaints of pain. He died as a result of his injuries Nov. 2, 2009, according to police.
Leanos said he and Arlia are still in the process of sharing evidence with prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Office. He described the traffic accident as “an unfortunate situation.”
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Feb. 18.
