What is wrong with our justice system? A Los Banos resident, Gilbert Fuentes Jr., pleaded guilty yesterday to vehicular manslaughter charges and was sentenced by the judge to 360 hours of community service. On November 30th, 2008 Mr. Fuentes was driving west bound on Highway 152 at an excessive speed for the weather conditions. His wrecklessness caused the death of my only brother, Mauricio Inocenio Diaz, 24, and caused my cousin, Antonio Franco, 17, to be paralyzed from his chest line down for the rest of his life at the last stoplight heading westbound on Highway 152. The place is marked with a wooden cross by Merced Community College. The judge allowed us to speak and share with him how the loss of my brother's life has impacted us. We shared our tears, deepest emotions, and feelings and were disappointed to hear that the judge valued my brothers life, a productive member of society, CSU Fresno alumni, recently accepted to Masters program, at 360 hours of community service.
Mr. Fuentes walked in to court past us with an arrogance and confidence that was disgusting and leaves me with a very sour taste in my mouth. In the court, he didn't have enough respect to even write out a speech expressing his so called remorse, and his demeanor was not one of a man full of remorse. To me he seemed unrepenting and cocky which has not sat well with me. Mr. Fuentes had already been communicated that if he pleaded guilty he would receive an indicated sentence of 360 hours of community service so he came in confident that, although the family of the victim was going to request some jail time to allow him to reflect on our words, he would not serve any jail time.
As the brother of Mauricio Inocencio Diaz I warn all Los Banos residents that Mr. Gilbert Fuentes Jr., a convicted vehicular manslaughter criminal is free and loose in your community. His wrecklessness and failure to adhere to safety rules caused the untimely death of my brother and paralyzing my 17 year-old cousin, however I warn it could be one of your loved ones next time he chooses to drive in the same wreckless manner since he has been allowed to continue to drive and live amongst you in Los Banos. Justice was not served in the Merced County Superior Court in Los Banos however justice will be served one day when he stands before the highest and fairest judge of all.
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Similar Accident
Dear Justice Seeker:
First of all I am very sorry for the tragic loss of your brother and permanent effect of your cousin.
I am unsure if you have heard of a similar story in Los Banos that just happened on 09/22/2009. A group of children were riding there bikes on Pacheco Blvd (Highway 152) and were attempting to cross at the Food 4 Less shopping center intersection. Two of the boys ages 5 and 10 were on 1 bike (the 5 year old was standing on the back pegs), when a man ran a red light and hit both of them, sending them flying 20 feet into the air. I am one of the witnesses and one of the first people that ran and tried to help. I saw everything from start to finish. The pulled over immediatley and sat on the curb. He was totally unremorseful for his wrong doing and never attempted to even see if either of the boys were okay. Both boys were airlifted to different hospitals. The 5 year old whose name is Alex was pretty much purnounced dead on impact and was revived and remained on life support for 2 days for organ donation. The 10 year old suffered minor injuries and was released the next day.
The man that hit both boys (who police will not identify) was not even cited for this inicident. No ticket, no arrest, no justice. As a new member to this community I am dissapointed that nothing will happen to this murderer and he too will walk and drive the streets just as Mr. Fuentes. These are innocent men and children who were doing nothing wrong and did not deserve death. Nor there families to suffer.
I would love to get into contact with you and have you talk to the family of Alex. I am sure there are similarities in the incidents and maybe we can take this up a step. This county must make these murderers pay for the tragic events they have caused and so many lives they have ruined.
Thank You,
In Memory of Baby Alex