More on Jose Rincon
Several of Jose Rincon’s friends have just won a Ben’s Bell for their work to benefit Rincon’s family. And this letter to the newspaper was forwarded to me by a woman concerned about the inaccuracies in the reporting:
I was dismayed to read in the Feb. 2 Star that a higher bail was not set
for the woman charged with drunk driving and manslaughter after her SUV struck and killed young Jose Rincon, 14, a straight-A student, talented mariachi, and friend of everyone at St. Michael’s school.I realize bail is meant to be a deterrent vs. a punishment, but it sends
a very bad message to our kids when a person arrested at three times the legal limit is given such a low bail after killing a teenager.Missing from the Feb. 2 story, however, are some key facts. According to
the police report, and the Jan. 14 Star, Glenda Rumsey’s SUV missed her
turn and drove onto the shoulder where Jose and his friend were properly riding in the bike lane.She also fled the scene so it was a hit and run. According to the Jan. 14 Star, “Rumsey continued east and stopped a half-mile later. A witness to the crash followed Rumsey until she stopped.” Bravo to that witness, a true hero.
My heart goes out to the Rincon family that such a low bail – just
$50,000 — was set. Let’s hope the court is not so lenient in the future.Ms. Beryl Valverde Wolfe
I will keep updating posts about this terrible, tragic story.
–Erik Ryberg