Community Corner

Is Probation a Fair Sentence for Hit-and-Run Driver?

Family and friends seek justice for a former Palos Verdes High School valedictorian killed in March when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver.

Family and friends are speaking out about the possible fate of a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a former valedictorian early this year.

Sho Funai, 23, was walking home to his San Diego apartment March 11 when he was hit by the driver and died, according to a Daily Breeze report.

Nikolette Gallo, 18, nearly eight hours after Funai's body was found alongside the freeway. She pleaded guilty last month to felony hit-and-run driving causing death, the Breeze reported.

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Funai's brother questioned Gallo's possible sentence, which could be probation, in an online petition seeking justice for Funai, according to the Breeze report.

"I also ask that the judge explain to what end this lenient sentence will ultimately serve. Giving second chances to those who selfishly and recklessly broke laws which resulted in death—while knowing that there will be no such second chances for us—seems biased and unfair. If the judge believes that this lenient sentence will rehabilitate the defendant, then I also ask that he consider the impact that this decision will have on us, Sho’s friends and society." —Daisuke Funai

Find out what's happening in Palos Verdeswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Read the full Daily Breeze report here.

Is probation a fair sentence for the hit-and-run driver? Tell us in the comments section below.


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