mconlonx

Settlement ends cases in sheriff deputy accident at Stevens Canyon Road
Aug 30, 2010
By Blair Tellers - Gilroy Dispatch

A $500,000 settlement ended a string of cases revolving around an accident at Stevens Canyon Road in Cupertino resulting in two deaths and a serious injury.
Plaintiff Christopher Knapp agreed to the settlement Friday in Santa Clara County Superior Court in the March 2008 accident where a Santa Clara County Sheriff deputy crossed over a double yellow center line on the winding stretch of road in Monterey County.

Deputy James Council accidentally struck three bicyclists, killing two and leaving Knapp seriously injured.

Prior to the incident, Council had been employed by the sheriff's office for about 18 months. He was placed on paid administrative leave during an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

Knapp was the last of the Stevens Canyon cases, which included the county settling a $2.3 million wrongful death claim with John and Betty Peterson for their son Matthew Peterson along with the $1.2 million and $800,000 claims for Karen Clarkson and Rip Gough for their daughter Kristy Gough.

Knapp's final settlement of $500,000 will be paid by excess insurance carriers and does not directly impact the county's current budget.

Chicago Al 

The deputy pled guilty to two counts of vehicular manslaughter, a misdemeanor. He admitted falling asleep at the wheel, took responsibility for the accident and apologized in court. Family members of the victims were apparently satisfied with the verdict and sentence.
https://articles.sfgate.com/2009-05-0...cil-s-attorney
https://articles.sfgate.com/2009-06-2...other-sentence

finelargeaxe

Oh My God. Someone who actually admitted to their crime. I almost have faith in humanity again.

TheHen

When I hear that he is demonstrating his remorse by giving up driving I will be even more impressed.