Independence Day 2019 in San Marino began as most do, with over 800 community members joyfully, yet thoughtfully assembling for what this year was the 15th annual J.P. Blecksmith Memorial 5K Walk & Run. Later, most would witness another hometown parade before flowing into Lacy Park to honor Little Leaguers, listen to Dixieland bands and witness the fireworks display.
But within 90 minutes of the race’s completion, San Marino’s small town ambiance was shattered, first by the trembling felt from a powerful earthquake that took place near Death Valley, then a few minutes later by something much worse, as a man and his dog were violently struck and killed at 10:34 a.m. by a car that was believed to have been involved in a street racing incident. The bodies of Gabriel Crispo and his dog, Niño, were each covered with a pink cloth while officers from multiple law enforcement agencies investigated the incident.
The two drivers, both juvenile males, have recently accepted the terms of a plea deal which includes probation, the continuance of a suspension of driving privileges, community service and internships in the Los Angeles County Jail and Morgue, according to someone with knowledge of the case.
Meanwhile, a complaint for damages has been filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court against the two suspects and their parents by an attorney representing Rosa Crispo—Gabriel Crispo’s mother—and Marta Franco, Gabriel Crispo’s girlfriend and owner of Niño. Franco was jogging behind him when the accident occurred.
The lawsuit seeks punitive damages for negligence in what is called the “wrongful death” of Crispo, for negligence in the survival action and for violation of Civil Code section 3340; which specifies wrongful injuries to animals committed willfully or by gross negligence.
The suit does not indicate a dollar amount, but on the first count requests general damages in excess of the minimum jurisdiction of the court, special damages in excess of the minimum jurisdiction of the court, court costs and “further relief the court may deem just and proper.” On the second count, the suit request special damages according to proof and punitive damages against the two minors, On the third count, the suit seeks punitive damages against the two minors, court costs and “further relief the court may deem just and proper.”
Despite Sensationalistic Happenings, Stories of Goodwill And Great Achievement Top Look Back at Most Important Stories of 2019. For a complete list of the Tribune’s Top 19 of ’19 pick-up a copy of the San Marino Tribune’s 12.17.19 print edition.
