Deadly Oakmont driver, 77, gets 7-year prison sentence
Gayle Diane Gray, 77-years-old of Santa Rosa, was sentenced today to a term of 7 years and 4 months in state prison for a deadly driving incident on Oakmont Drive.
On January 20, 2016, Gray, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, caused the death of 85-year-old Jackie Simon and severely injured 91-year-old Josephine Ross, according to Sonoma County District Attorney Jill Ravitch.
The defendant was driving out of Oakmont Market parking lot with her dog on her lap when she struck the two women who had been walking from the cleaners. After hitting the two women, Gray’s vehicle continued across Oakmont Drive and over the center median before colliding with the chain link fence on the east side of the street.
Gary remained in her vehicle until law enforcement arrived. Her blood alcohol content was 0.052 percent more than three hours after the accident, and she had various prescription medications in her system, Ravitch stated.
Gray had prior misdemeanor convictions for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in 1994 and 2003.
“This was a terrible event that could have easily been avoided,” Ravitch said. Instead, a selfish choice to drive while intoxicated ended in tragedy. The defendant knew from experience that drinking and driving don’t mix, and yet that day disregarded that knowledge and forever shattered many lives.”
On May 4, 2016, Gray entered pleas to felony violations of Vehicular Manslaughter and Driving Under the Combined Influence of Alcohol and Drugs. She also admitted enhancements for causing “Great Bodily Injury” and injuring multiple victims.
The sentencing option ranged from a possible grant of probation to up to 9 years 8 months in state prison. Her 7 year 4 month sentence will be served in state prison and she is required to serve 85% of that sentence before she will be eligible for parole. She was also ordered to pay over $300,000 in restitution, most of which stems from outstanding medical expenses for Ms. Ross.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Tashawn Sanders and Jessica Washington, assisted by District Attorney Investigator Ken Pistorio. Jeffrey Woods of Santa Rosa Police Department headed the investigation.
