Last August, a fatal car accident occurred near Oracle Park in San Francisco, resulting in the death of a 4-year-old girl and critical injuries to her father. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office recently announced that the driver responsible for the incident has reached a plea agreement and will not serve jail time.
The accident took place on the afternoon of August 15, 2023, when the young girl was in a stroller being pushed by her father. As they crossed the intersection of Fourth Street and King Street, the driver failed to yield, striking them. The girl was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries, while her father sustained serious injuries and underwent treatment.
71-year-old Karen Cartagena was arrested on charges of three counts of failing to yield to pedestrians and involuntary manslaughter.
This Thursday, San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Brooke Jenkins confirmed that a negotiated settlement had been reached with Cartagena instead of going to trial.
Under the terms of the settlement, Cartagena will be on probation for two years, complete 400 hours of community service, and undergo a safe driving course. She is prohibited from driving until the course is completed.
In a statement, Jenkins expressed, “While nothing we do can bring back their beloved daughter and granddaughter, I hope this settlement can provide them some solace as they strive to heal and rebuild their lives after the tragic incident from last summer.”
It was reported that the family involved in the accident were tourists visiting San Francisco from out of town.
Following the resolution of this accident, people naturally draw parallels to the tragic incident involving a family of four at the West Gate Bus Station last month. In that case, 78-year-old driver Mary Fong Lau was arrested but has not yet been charged. Speculation abounds regarding what her future may hold.