The husband and son of a Chula Vista woman killed by a drunk driver asked a judge March 4 for leniency, saying a prison term would not help the driver.
“I can’t get back what’s gone. A prison term would not be beneficial for all,” said Danny Sheaf, the husband of Enid Diane Mayer-Sheaf, 61, who was killed July 22, 2015.
“I don’t think the prison term is the answer to the problem,” said Danny Sheaf. “It’s not a real solution. He’ll come out angry.”
“A lengthy prison term won’t benefit. Look towards leniency in deciding this matter,” said Christopher Sheaf, the victim’s son.
However, San Diego Superior Court Judge David Gill denied probation and imposed six years in prison for Anthony Perez Rodriguez, 30, of San Diego. Gill turned down the prosecutor’s request for 10 years. Rodriguez was given credit for 40 days spent in jail and fined $3,214.
Rodriguez, who lived with his wife in North County, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, and driving on the wrong side of a highway. His blood/alcohol level was .16.
Deputy District Attorney Lauren Ogata said Rodriguez’s recent jailing stemmed from a second violation of drinking alcohol while free on $100,000 bond. Rodriguez wore a device that showed he drank alcohol.
“Knowing the consequences, he continued to (drink). He isn’t able or willing to comply with a grant on probation,” said Ogata.
Rodriguez’s attorney, Jan Ronis, said he and his family were served a rum cake in a restaurant and that accounted for the most recent violation. The first violation was due to faulty equipment which was replaced with a new device, he said.
“I don’t think he drank,” said Ronis, who said Rodriguez was surrounded by family members who would not permit him to drink, and he also took Antabuse which makes a person ill if they drink.
Wearing jail clothes, Rodriguez wept as he told the victim’s family he was “very, very sorry.”
“There’s no excuse for what I did. I hope one day you can forgive me for what I’ve done,” he said Rodriguez.
