Like almost everyone involved in or observing the prosecution of
Rita Campos in the death of cyclist Bruce Finch, we’re frustrated
by the delay in her sentencing.
Like almost everyone involved in or observing the prosecution of Rita Campos in the death of cyclist Bruce Finch, we’re frustrated by the delay in her sentencing.
That it was apparently caused by the failure of Campos’ attorney, Richard Pointer, to notify the court in a timely manner of a conflict in his schedule only compounds the frustration.
We’re confident that Campos, her friends and family, and Finch’s friends and family agree with Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Ronald Toff, who expressed his frustration clearly in court: “I am very upset and distressed with Mr. Pointer. He knew this (other) trial was coming up, and he could have contacted the court.”
Pointer’s failure to notify the court delays the sentencing for Campos, who was convicted in May of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter in the October 5, 2009, accident that killed Finch, 58, of Gilroy. Now, everyone will have to wait until Aug. 18 to learn what sentence Toff has in mind for Campos.
We hope that the judge doesn’t hold Pointer’s mistake against his client, Campos, 61, of Morgan Hill. Although a jury convicted Campos of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, we believe that the mitigating circumstances in this case point toward a sentence of probation only. Toff could sentence Campos to up to a year in jail.
Visibility at the intersection of Uvas Road and Little Uvas Road, where the accident occurred, was obstructed by a utility pole and a real estate sign, according to testimony at the trial. There were no independent witnesses to the accident, and the prosecution relied heavily on a forensic re-enactment of the scene.
Bruce Finch’s death was a tragic accident. Rita Campos will suffer as a result of her involvement for the rest of her life; serving time in county jail will burden taxpayers and serve no purpose for society.
Instead, let’s work to ensure that our roads are free from visual obstructions and that bicyclists and motorists share our roads safely.
