A teen driver accused of causing a crash resulting in the death of her younger sister while live streaming the accident on Instagram, was denied lower bail by a California judge on Friday.
Obdulia Sanchez, 18, went before a Merced County judge and wiped away tears as her defense attorney, public defender Ramnik Samaro, asked the judge that the teen either be released or that her bail be reduced from $560,000. Samaro argued that the bail amount was excessive, according to KFSN-TV.
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“There is the eighth amendment to the constitution that says no excessive bail shall be required. I think this bail is excessive for her,” Samaro said as well as noting that Sanchez had been living in a group home prior to the accident and despite familial support has no way to raise that much bail money.
Merced County Chief Deputy District Attorney Harold Nutt, however, argued that bail remain where originally set.
“I think that was the appropriate action. I think the bail should remain where it’s set,” Nutt said.
According to the California Highway Patrol, on July 21 Sanchez was driving southeast of San Jose when the car went through a barbed wire fence before overturning in a field and ejecting two passengers, both 14-years-old. One of the passengers, Sanchez’ sister Jacqueline, was killed.
In live video made following the crash, Sanchez is shown leaning over her sister’s body saying she was sorry and that she expected to spend the rest of her life in prison.
” This is the last thing I wanted to happen… I killed my sister, but I don’t care. I killed my sister. I know I’m going to prison, but I don’t care. I’m sorry, baby. I’ma hold it down…. rest in peace, sweetie,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez will return to court next month.
