| Source | What it reported | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Times | Reported the conviction, the charges, the sentencing date, and police details from the Laguna Beach collision. | Sept. 10, 2026 |
| MyNewsLA | Reported the jury's findings, the injuries described in court, and arguments from the prosecutor and defense. | Sept. 10, 2026 |
| Patch | Reported the trial arguments before the verdict, including the alleged speed-up statement and defense response. | Sept. 10, 2026 |
What did the jury decide?
The Los Angeles Times reported that the 22-year-old defendant was convicted Thursday of gross vehicular manslaughter, hit and run with permanent and serious injury, and failing to stop after a hit-and-run with injury or death, all felonies. MyNewsLA reported that jurors also found true a sentencing enhancement tied to fleeing the scene of a vehicular manslaughter.
According to both the Los Angeles Times and MyNewsLA, the defendant is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 13. Both outlets reported that the case involved the Aug. 11, 2022 collision that killed 60-year-old Stanley Isaacs of Costa Mesa and injured his wife, Catherina.
What did trial coverage say about the crash?
The Los Angeles Times reported that the crash happened just before 9:40 p.m. at South Coast Highway and Pearl Street, and that Laguna Beach police said the couple were believed to have been in town for their anniversary. MyNewsLA reported that police said the defendant was driving a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta when she struck the couple in a crosswalk.
Patch reported before the verdict that Deputy District Attorney Justin Kim told jurors the defendant had told passengers she planned to speed up. MyNewsLA reported that defense attorney Mike Molfetta argued there was no trial evidence that the defendant was smoking marijuana in the car and challenged speed estimates presented in court.
Why does this matter for Southern California crash cases?
The report is a criminal case, not a civil lawsuit update. For readers tracking how serious crash facts can affect separate injury questions, Lederer & Nojima has a related guide to car accident case issues in Southern California.
Results may vary. Contact our office for a case evaluation. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.