Good question.  Whatever happened to them, they won't get any sympathy from Espinoza.    According to the victim's family, Espinoza hasn't ever expressed remorse for what he did.  But then, why should he.  He's in total denial that it was anything but a terrible "ACCIDENT".  Barf.

Are you kidding?  Didnt you watch the video on the related article.  He personally expresses remorse.  What a joke you are lady.  Sounds like I am not the only one "reading what I want and then typing away"!!  What a joke both you and michele are.  Go back and watch the video, then you will know how dumb you just sounded. 

Hi Michele.  I curious about the following sentence which appeared in TBC.  Any thoughts?

If Espinoza is sentenced to prison, he will be evaluated at a prison reception area, where his criminal record is looked at as well as his medical and mental needs, said Terry Thornton, spokeswoman for the state prison system

#1 he retracted his plea so yes mabe  this will go to trial and.... he only plead that way because of an offer the da  set to get this over and the offer was NO jail time then the offer was taken away and the other mans charges were dropped he wasnt even in the area at the time ,and are you really compairing him to these other ailments ?he is quite a bit more serious than  that .

How old are you?  I hate to think an adult can be this uninformed.  

FYI  A stroke can leave a person totally paralyzed.  That, my friend,  renders them a Quadriplegic.  Cancer, on the other hand,  can render them dead.   ALS is a slow form of paralysis, which will render them quadriplegic, then dead.  All of these are as serious as Espinoza's self inflicted paralysis.

We are jokes? HAHAHHA! Did you just create this page to come on here and comment on this topic and leave. You are sooo typical of the ones that do that.  Go back and read the newspaper and maybe this time, something might stick in your head. 

Again,

Your little blog buddy audrey is spitting lies about how he never expressed remorse when its so clearly said in that video.  Im just forwarding correct information.  Enjoy. 

OK well there's more to his paralysis like... a brain injury, massive trauma to his organs ,a colostomy, bed sores , supra pubic cath, all the metal in his neck, autonomic disreflexia ,mrsa,the list goes on and we know he will die from this quickly with in proper care . call this what you want that's for a jury to decide

Audrey-If Espinoza is sentenced to prison, he will be evaluated at a prison reception area, where his criminal record is looked at as well as his medical and mental needs, said Terry Thornton, spokeswoman for the state prison system.

I thought when I read this, why do they need to review his criminal record? 

Again I quote the story from TBC.

Walter’s family is seeking a full six-year sentence. In court documents they say Espinoza has never contacted them to apologize or even expressed remorse.

Strangely enough, they don't feel like they received an apology.  Hmm

Michele, I'm outta here.  I've got a full day scheduled today and I've already wasted too much of it arguing with Neanderthals.

Yeah, we can go round and round on this. Have a good one Audrey!!

Let me first say that my heart goes out to the family of the victim, Dorothy Anne Walter, to them you have my deepest sympathies.  I have been following this story for quite some time.  If you do the crime you must do the time. He wasn't a quad when he committed the crime, so that should have no baring on this case.

"OK well there's more to his paralysis like... a brain injury, massive trauma to his organs ,a colostomy, bed sores , supra pubic cath, all the metal in his neck, autonomic disreflexia ,mrsa,the list goes on and we know he will die from this quickly with in proper care . call this what you want that's for a jury to decide."

Cry me a river will you DvonD.  You are so hell bent on your argument that you refuse to answer pointed questions.  I'm truly sorry that your friend chose to exceed the posted speed limit.  Heck, I hate when my choices come back around and bite me squarely in the arse.  He made a life (lifes?) altering decision when he chose to repress that pedal on the right hand side.  His situation stinks.  No argument there.  The entire situation stinks.  Lives were lost due to the actions of one person.

 AGAIN - let me ask you:  What sort of LEGAL accountability and culpability should Mr. Espinosa be held to?  Please answer that before you continue your ranting.

Michelle and Audrey - I would consider it an honor in this circumstance to be lump into a group with you two.   Unfortunately you have responders who are a direct reflection upon a culture of young adults that expect no accountability for their actions and want to fault others for their own behaviors.

Have a great day ladies!!

TC

i think i already answered that i said something to the fact that a service of speaking to kids on the actions and repercussions of speeding would be fine that wont kill him , house arrest that's fine that wont kill him anything but prison and all I'm trying to do is correct the wrong information and give you more info than what the paper says . trust me i pray all the time for the Walters family and this whole situation its awful i just don't want to see another die because of this.so i hope that answered your question :) and again im so very sorry for the walters family i am absolutly not trying to offend anyone im just stating what i know are the facts .

michele1075

" Did you just create this page to come on here and comment on this topic and leave. You are sooo typical of the ones that do that.  Go back and read the newspaper and maybe this time, something might stick in your head. "

So it's not allowed in this "public forum" to pick and choose what you blog on based on your passion??  EVERYONE must spend most of their time blogging and arguing with you and the other "regulars"??  If you really believe everything you read in TBC, you are in for a very big disappointment!!   It seems that when someone disagrees with the "regulars" on ANY blog, you all start calling names and saying they are idiots!!!!  How about you agree to disagree instead of thinking everyone shoud agree with you.  What if it was one of your kids/relatives/friends that this happened too...would you stand up and want people to know the "real" person and not just the negative things the news and paper says?

 AudreyB

"Michele, I'm outta here.  I've got a full day scheduled today and I've already wasted too much of it arguing with Neanderthals."

Because they disagree with you and have their own opinion???   It seems to me that those posting really know more of the story and personal background and they are trying to get that across.  Can you blame them for that?  They have said time and time again that they are praying for the family of the victim but that's not good enough??  It's not always so black and white when it comes to everything, there are always tons of details that are not revealed in TBC, so how can you be so quick to "hang' someone?  The name calling on here is just so harsh sometimes.

LisaLu50- sigh......People can voice their own opinions, that's what we are here for, as I've said that before as well.   No, I don't believe everthing I read, not that dumb.  Next time when you want to copy and paste, please do so with the entire sentence. THX!!

My point was that I'm actually not for the guy to go to prison.  Community service is would I wold opt for.

 Again, I ask, does anyone know what happened to these 2 dogs of Mrs. Walters?

Michele,

i know earlier I clumped you into the group of haters, but I agree that community service is a great idea IF he is convicted.  So far there is no real PROOF that he broke any laws other than speeding.  I realize this is a serious law, but last time I got pulled over for speeding I didnt go to prison for 6 years.  Granted I didnt have an accident either,  I just dont get how some people on here can crucify danny without all of the facts.  Give the kid a break, his life is ruined enough and making him die a slow and more painful death in prison is the worst thing for him, us as taxpayers, and his family.  Anyways, if he is convicted make him give some speeches and make a difference instead of rotting in prison wasting your tax dollars.  

Foot-no worries, we are all on here to express and write our opinions.  It's statements like this : So far there is no real PROOF that he broke any laws other than speeding.  I realize this is a serious law, but last time I got pulled over for speeding I didn't go to prison for 6 years.

The problem I think some people (me included and can't speak for all) are getting irritated at is the fact that speeding is not why he is facing 6 years.  It is what happened as a result of his excessive speeding. Granted, if he was not a quad, I'd be saying send him away.  However, he should be in the care of his parents and not so much on the taxpayers.  It's great he has loving parents.  But he must face some reprimand. 

I agree that he should face punishment, what about the punishment he has already received.  I realize that doesnt offer the kind of restitution the family wants.  They seem to be going after the death penalty(prison) for danny.  He made a huge mistake and has paid for it, but if the law requires more punishment, your recommendation of community service seems like the most logical solution.  I just wish these people werent out for blood and didnt have so much hate. 

Michele

Check your e-mail.  I've got an answer to your question.

Thanks Audrey!

After reading through these blogs again, I've come to the conclusion that his family is in willful denial of the magnitude of his crime.  They are sticking to their "accident" story.  They'd better hope it plays well with a jury if, as one blogger said, he has withdrawn his "no contest" plea.   I don't think any jury in Kern County will be easily fooled.

Anyway, given their lack of sympathy or regard for Mrs Walters or her family,  I withdraw my expression of sympathy for them.   And, I wonder if their turning a blind eye to his guilt has been a life long pattern with them. .

Let's never forget  the real victim here, Dorothy Walters and her two dogs.

thats good audrey, take back any sympathy you have for danny's family because people are in here expressing their "opinion".  Get over yourself

Foot - you obviously care who she has sympathy for or else you wouldn't have came back 45 minutes after your 3:13pm post and wrote that.    Relax, this is a blog, public forum, it can be upsetting at times, especially if you don't agree with others opinions.

IMHO~ there should be boatloads of sympathy to all involved.

Either way it sucks to be Danny.......In all my years of see stories like this where the family of the victim demands justice..........and the ugliness that surround that mind set I do hope that if I lost a loved one I would be able to forgive.................The Guy a  quadriplegic ...........If that ain't justice I don't know what is. Anyway live expectancy for a quad is not that long so all this probably wont matter much.......

He made his bed. Let him sleep in his own..... not taxpayers.....

Chico, that graphic is clever. How do I send it to my mother-in-law?

A question above "have you ever gone over the speed limit?"  I have.  But I've never driven 90 MPH on a city street and, by my reckless driving and disregard for safety, caused the death of another human being.

As for hate.  Why do people always assume that strong feelings and strong language equate to hate?  No one hates the young man in question, but they DO have strong feelings about the sentencing.  Please bear in mind this blog started asking the question "How do you feel about a quadriplegic being sentenced?"  The question was asked and people answered.

If any of you are unhappy with this, you might refer to the constitution which gives us the right to voice an opinion.

Did they survive this terrible tragedy? (note, I will not refer to it as an accident)

Still going on about that "he did it intentionally" now, aren't you?

Ground Rules for posting comments:

• No profanity or personal attacks.
• Please comment on the subject of the post itself.

If you do not follow these rules we will remove your comment. Please keep it civil.

I'm so glad some of you learned to follow directions. I wonder if in all your years, elementary school has been forgotten. This isn't even civil anymore. This is just getting brutal.

I am disgusted. I have never “blogged” prior to this, and really have never even paid attention to any of them, and after I post this, I probably never will again. I have known the Kolkman family for many years, so I have kept abreast of this story. When I was following up on the events of this story on line (I have moved away from Bakersfield, so I don‘t get the print media or television), I saw the question, thought it was provocative, and decided to respond. I naively thought that people would be respectful of each other, state their opinions and read other’s opinions. I figured that people would agree with like-minded people and civilly agree to disagree with others.

The constitution of our country does guarantee us the freedom of speech, but with any freedom comes responsibility. Some of you people need to realize that there are strong emotions running on both sides of this issue. To assume facts, insert innuendo, call each other names and go off on rants with inflammatory verbiage is not only morally wrong, it is disgusting in a situation like this. Many of you don’t even seem care that family members on both sides of this are affected by your words. I think of the movies of the medieval mobs with the prisoner in cart when I read through many of these postings.

I don’t think I have ever run across any one as evil and viscous as one of the “ladies“ posting on this blog. To obviously have no knowledge of the facts, and then spew forth the bilge and disgusting comments about a family whom she has never met is repugnant. And if you are now going to claim that you do actually have the facts, and are closer to this story then you are leading on, then that would make your rants disingenuous and even more disgusting.

I now regret that that the editor even started this blog. In my opinion, this blog is far more destructive then it is informative. It is my hope that the editor will remove this blog from this site.

Bonzai..removing this blog would be censorship with no cause.  The rules were not broken here.  If this particular blog offends you I also suggest you read the Fresno Bee blog.  Unless they've cleaned it up, it had no rules.

People talk about news whether in the office, at home, or on a blog and they aren't all going to agree with you.  If you can't take that, then perhaps blogging isn't for you.

Snarky.

I don't know whether Espinoza should go to prison or not.  I guess there's some who think he should and some who think he shouldn't.  It really depends on whether he's convicted or not, and what the judge or jury decide.  Judges and juries are fair, and they will decide this case fairly.  The only emotions they will consider will be the victim's family's, not the defendant or his family.  I understand it when Espinoza's supporters defend him on this blog, so I expect understanding when I defend MY family member on this blog--AudreyB.  She's my mom, and she's not evil or mean or anything else.  She expressed a point of view and got piled on by people who disagreed with her, so she got sick of it. 

You can't force sympathy.  Ganging up on my mom and insulting her just makes your case weaker.  Maybe Espinoza's attorney should slap all the jurors during opening remarks.  I wonder if that will garner sympathy.

I think this whole blog has played itself out, everyone has stated their opinion and the "strong feelings and strong language" has went way over the edge IMO.

I have been a therapist for many years and have dealt with people on both ends of these type of tragic events.  I admire the folks on here that are taking up for their friend and ask you to realize that this blog is a lost cause.  Keep supporting your loved ones and don't worry about what the bullies on this site say...they don't know the case and have lost touch with their sensitive sides just to prove a point!!!  I personally feel the deepest sympathy for both families and hope that everyone can (in time) forgive and go on with their lives.  I think if each of us would stop and think "what if it was my loved one" they might rethink some of the harsh comments.  What would you do?  Would you just throw them away or try to understand why they made such a bad choice after everything you taught them?  Would you feel the need to defend them if you came across a blog of horrible comments.  These are real people, not just a story in TBC.

There used to be alot of good discussion on these blogs but I think people are reluctant to post because of the past personal attacks and negative comments.  I enjoy reading the blogs as I feel there is always something to learn from others opinions and there used to be some really good discussions.  Anyway, I'm off my soap box and moving on.

Here is a thought for those supporting house arrest.  Sentence him to house arrest, but with the caveat that the family has to pick up the tab....not the state!  He stays out of the prison hospitals and he doesn't cost the state a whole lot.

Sound good?

tab for what?

Vanity, just co a copy (Cntrl C) and it will work if posting to her in a forum where link will stay valid. If not just refer to google to find one that will. Since its an animated gif that may require setting up a link of your own with Photobucket or some such.

Teacher, that is the sentiment I was expressing as well of course.........

Wow after going thru all the blogs i can see its a road with no end. One side wanting complete revenge , an eye for an eye, bakersfield justice. The other side wanting to save their loved ones life. Most of us no the facts of this case and some dont, you know who you are. Danny was driving at a very fast speed in which makes it (gross neglegence) unless it can be proven otherwise. Did he wake up that morning and say "hum today is a great day to go get in an accident" "and cause the death of someone" the answer is NO. Does vehicular manslaghter (gross negligence) warrant a death sentence the answer to that is NO. It is gives a maximum of 2-6 years. But in the end the judge can give any sentence he feels fit. A person who is completely healthy will do his time and come out after 2- 6 years and would continue his life, in a normal manner ,driving , girlfriends, maybe a wife or two, kids, a famlilly of his own, maybe own his own home , playing football with his friends etc,etc , and would probably try to completely forget what had happen in the past.  Danny if he lived thru prison, which he probably WONT , will come out , on a hospital gurny, they will load him up in an ambulance and drive him home to his own hospital bed. Still in his own prison for the rest of his life, being completely dependent on someone for survival. Almost like , if he didnt go to prison it is still a life sentenence for him. Some asked for danny's accountability, well he cant show any accountablility dead . I think and hope if he does anything it will be house arrest, with community service where he can go out to high schools, colleges, etc. and speak to kids about what one mistake has done to two families and a community, and to express his sorrow for the the loss of dorothy walters, and the pain that was caused to the walters family and his own, to hopefully keep this from happening again . there are  two  families who obviously care about their loved ones to no end. I know for a fact that danny thinks about this everyday, he feels remorse and is very sorry for what has happend. please dont think for a second he dont. and by the way all he knows about the accident is what he has been told to him by others. I know you will slam me by asking why he has'nt expressed remorse and tell the walters family he is sorry, he had tried a couple  times once through a mutual friend and once through the DA.  bottom line nobody on here will change the way they think and their passion for what they think is right .,but i for one do have compassion and i hope the judge does to.

Soccer09-what you had copy and pasted form me was not a personal attack.  I choose not to call it a car accident but a tragedy because when you drive excessively over the speed limit you are risking many things when doing so.

Believe it or not...but I believe that this man has certainly been punished....he has the rest of his days to reflect on what has happened...after all, where in the hell is he going to run off too-so to speak...this was handled by a higher Judge in a higher court...do you really want your tax-dollars to take care of him?....

Of course, that's just my opinion

Seems to me, if this were truly an "accident," then Espinoza would never have been charged with anything.  He would never have been brought to court, he would certainly have never pled "no contest" to anything, and he would never be going to trial for anything.  It appears that the DA (heartless protectors of justice that they are) have SOME evidence of gross negligence or they would just drop it. 

I know that I would never want to be a quadriplegic, but I also know that I wouldn't want to be alive one moment and dead the next, leaving my children without a mother and my husband alone to raise our children by himself.  I would hate to die without saying goodbye to my family, without even knowing that they would be taken care of. 

I think Espinoza should just be grateful he's not being hit with a wrongful death lawsuit by the victim's family.  Now that this case is going to trial, all the facts will come out about what happened.  Maybe it was an "accident" and maybe it wasn't.  The jury will decide.

I have had to face both sides of this~ taking care of my son,and had my eldest die without reconciling with him. We would all like to "go" with all our affairs in order,family as safe as possible and close at hand.All our "I love yous "said and all our "accounts " taken care of. Unfortunately that is not the case in most circumstances~ that's why it is important to be prepared as much as possible today.The system will decide this case and I hope for compassion and healing for all sides here.

Good morning Catherine,  according to bakersfield police Danny was traveling at a high rate of speed. which is considered (gross negligence) that alone is enough to prosecute. The heartless protectors of justice you speak about, and i have to agree with you, had lied to danny's attorney throughout this whole process. promising then taking away I know that nothing is final until the judge say's it is, but that has been the games the DA has been playing this whole time, there is a reason why he withdrew his plea. Anyway catherine about the wrongful law suit, Danny has been sued for $10.000.000.00 million dollars and also two other people that were supposedly involved , for a total of  $30 million dollars. so yes there is money involved. That being said I would like to add again about danny not apologizing to the other family , which i forgot to add on the other post, he was told by his first attorney to not have any contact with anyone even the other family and was told an apology was an admission of guilt, a basic defense move . After the police report came out, and the first attempt failed , his family thought they would wait till court when everyone was there . When dannys attorney asked the DA if he could speak to the other family, the DA said immediatly "NO thats not gonna happen" I was standing right there I heard him,couldnt belive it but thats what he said . . this is just a very sad case for both families, there is a reason it is called vehicular manslaughter and not murder , because he didnt mean to do it , It was a mistake , a very bad choice, negligence. But if he dies in prison after everyone knowing and being told his condition and that he will die. THAT WILL BE MURDER .. then who is responsible at that point ? again vehicular manslaughter (gross negligence)  does not entail a death sentence.

This is a comment from my mother Carole, She asked me to post this.

His name is Danny. He is a prisoner to his chair and bed and has a meager existence. He was involved in a horrible automobile ACCIDENT, …Webster’s Dictionary-Accident… “an unplanned or unforeseen circumstance…lack of intention…” Dorothy Walter’s earthly existence ended that day and now, as an angel in another existence with God, she is probably aware of the deep pain both families are going through. I believe that most angels would FORGIVE, “to cease to feel resentment against an offender,” and she would like the attitude of VENGEANCE, “punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury…with great force,” to stop immediately. Common sense seems to say that Danny is also a victim and already paying a heavy price for the accident. Does he deserve a death decree, by incarceration at a State facility? Is this the secret desire of the Walter family? Let your conscience be your guide and release yourselves from your hateful angst. Let Dorothy Anne Walter rest in peace.

PLEASE, let this blog rest in peace...

I feel dontbeahater's comments are rational however, money can't be a big factor here since the millions mentioned above will never be paid by Danny.  Whatever the insurance company will pay is all those folks will ever get so the amount is a moot point other than to find guilt in a civil suit.

Again, as in this and other posts, strong feelings about a topic does not necessarliy equate into hate.  That's always a very misleading statement.  I certainly don't get the feeling that wanting justice to be served is hating the person who caused the accident.  If one would calmly list the circumstances of the night the picture might be a little clearer.

Fact is, Danny was driving at a rate that is considered reckless driving and did, in fact, cause the wreck.  The woman did nothing other than being on the road at the same time as a person driving irresponsibly.  Of course he didn't mean to kill the woman, but she WAS killed by his actions. 

I'll repeat what I said earlier.  I don't see how anyone would benefit by his being incarcerated and I agree with several here who suggested he do community service by way of speaking to young drivers and to DUI classes.  Maybe a public service film.

This is truely a sad situation for all involved but pointing fingers or denying the drivers guilt by saying "he didn't mean to" does nothing for anyone.  A little honesty and taking responsbility for ones actions is what's needed here.  I understand that apologizing to the family might be admitting guilt but, after all, he IS guilty regardless of how it's couched.

Sorry OB, had to do this....... and thanks foot for word definitions!!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

I feel sympathy for your mother.  And I'm sure she's longing for her son to escape his sentence.   Any mother would.  But her giref is not an argument for him to be released from all responsibility for a woman death.   Dorothy Walter's family is also grieving.  Where would they find solace if her murderer escaped justice. His actions killed Dorothy.  Where is her choice?

Danny was involved in a crash that could have been avoided had he been obeying the law.    You will never convince me that this man has "done his time" because he suffers from a self inflicted injury.  There are hundreds of men in prison who were injured during the course of their crimes.  Yet, they're doing their time.  We have laws that we are all subject too.  How is he any different?

If my children committed a crime of this magnitude, I would not expect them to escape it's consequences.    I think most people understand that criminal laws were written for the common good.  We enacted them and we're ALL subject to them.

Finally, thre's no evidence that a prison sentence would be a death sentence for him.  It would definitely be more costly to the tax payers to incarcerate him, but that's already being done for dozens of other ill and dying prisoners. 

Bottom line is,  Danny Espinoza's case is no different than dozens of others in California.