71-Year-Old Driver Receives Lenient Sentence for Fatal Crash Involving Toddler

Karen Cartagena avoids jail time, receiving two years probation and community service after a crash that killed a four-year-old girl in San Francisco.

• Karen Cartagena, 71, was sentenced to two years of probation and 400 hours of community service for vehicular manslaughter.
• The sentencing decision followed a negotiated settlement with the victim's family, who supported avoiding a trial.
• Public outrage and criticism follow the lenient sentencing, with many questioning the consequences for traffic-related deaths.
• The incident, which occurred near Oracle Park, has led to changes at the intersection to improve pedestrian safety.
• Cartagena will be allowed to drive again after completing a mandatory driver’s education class, despite public backlash.

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