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A University of California-Berkeley journalism student who was driving during a 2007 Menlo Park crash that claimed the life of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Halberstam has been sentenced to five days in jail, which may be served through the sheriff’s work program, as well as 200 hours of community service.
Kevin Lloyd Jones, 27, appeared nervous when he faced San Mateo Superior Court Judge Mark Forcum on Thursday. Before he was sentenced Mr. Jones read a previously written statement, apologizing for the Halberstam family’s loss.
“His memory will guide my decisions … my career as a journalist will be a tribute to his life,” Mr. Jones said in the statement.
A probation report recommended that Mr. Jones be sentenced to nine months in jail for the misdemeanor, but Judge Forcum, as well as Deputy District Attorney Shin-Mee Chang, disagreed. Because of the level of remorse Mr. Jones has shown throughout the proceedings, the district attorney’s office recommended five days in jail as well as community service.
Judge Forcum specified that Mr. Jones will do his community service in schools, helping children read and write.
Mr. Halberstam’s daughter Julia sent a letter to the court that said her father would not have wanted Mr. Jones to go to jail, but because of his “chronic carelessness” behind the wheel of a car he should not have a driver’s license.
Mr. Jones has previous infractions, including driving under the influence, being the party at fault for an accident, and speeding, according to his probation report.
Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said that when a defendant is as “truly inconsolable” as Mr. Jones was when he gave his initial statement to the police, a long sentence is not necessary.
“The goal is to make him reflect about what he’s done,” Mr. Wagstaffe said, and this sentence is insightful of the situation.
Mr. Halberstam, 73, of New York City, was killed in a three-car collision near the Dumbarton Bridge last April 23. The crash occurred shortly after 10:30 a.m. on the westbound Bayfront Expressway at Willow Road, according to Menlo Park police.
Mr. Halberstam was in the passenger seat of a Toyota Camry being driven by Mr. Jones, a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, Graduate School of Journalism. Mr. Halberstam was on his way to a book interview with Atherton resident and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Y.A. Tittle.
The Camry was broadsided as it turned left from Bayfront Expressway onto Willow Road. Mr. Halberstam was pronounced dead at the scene.
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just read about the loser who was driving the car on the
sf gate website- apparently this guy has a poor driving record-
with a DUI prior to the accident of mention, and a speeding ticket
shortly after- just to mention a couple of his infractions- also-
he ran a red light left turn at an intersection where it is apparently
very hard to do so- you have to go out of your way- he apparently
will pick up some trash and walk- and he has the audacity to say that
he will be inspired by the man he has accidentally killed- because he thought
it would be neat to meet somebody who actually did something real-
and then kills him- while mr. halberstam;s family is left with only memories-
and what ifs….
He, and all others like him, should not enjoy the privilege of driving. It is not a right. Act irresponsibly and lose it.
If enough people lose their licenses, then maybe someone “important” who loses his/her license, will improve public transportation with their connetions. But, alas, that is another topic.
It is always sad to hear about unnecessary death. My thoughts go out to the family of the deceased.