The driver who accidentally killed Gilroy environmentalist Norm
Watenpaugh last October pleaded no contest to the charge of
misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, changing his original
not-guilty plea.
Gilroy – The driver who accidentally killed Gilroy environmentalist Norm Watenpaugh last October pleaded no contest to the charge of misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, changing his original not-guilty plea.
Stephen Lake, then 28, hit Watenpaugh with his Dodge Dakota pickup while driving south on Wren Avenue the evening of Oct. 15, 2006. Watenpaugh was crossing the street near El Cerrito Way a few blocks from his Chiesa Drive home when he died. Hours earlier, he had celebrated his 76th birthday with his family at home. He was known as a tireless advocate for endangered birds, and was recently honored with an educational birdwatchers’ sign posted on the Uvas Levee near Christmas Hill Park.
Gilroy police were unable to determine Lake’s speed, according to police reports, but other aspects of the accident raised concerns. Lake’s father told police that Stephen Lake was legally blind in his left eye. Blood tests showed no alcohol in his system, but did reveal that Lake was taking prescription medications – medications he said had no effect on his driving.
Gilroy Police Cpl. Justin Matsuhara determined that though Watenpaugh was not crossing at a marked crosswalk, he clearly established his right of way by standing in clear view of the intersection, lit by a streetlamp.
Lake, advised by public defender Ralph Benitez, entered his no-contest plea Thursday in Superior Court in San Martin. Superior Court Judge Hector Ramon waived time for sentencing, and asked to see a probation report Oct. 18. No sentencing date has been set.
The plea relieved the Watenpaugh family, which has attended months of hearings, waiting for the case to move forward. Norma Watenpaugh, Norm Watenpaugh’s daughter, said the family was hoping for resolution, though they haven’t discussed what outcome they wish.
“We’ve been a little dismayed at the sentences in some of these past cases,” said Norma Watenpaugh, referencing the sentence given to Robertina Franco, who accidentally ran over 5-year-old Brayan Trejo. Franco was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, three years probation, $110 restitution to the Trejo family and additional fines.
The family’s primary concern is that Lake’s license is reassessed to prevent future accidents, said Norma Watenpaugh.
Lake is scheduled to next appear in court 9am Oct. 18 to set a date for his probation hearing.
