Dean Kapsalis Sentenced to Life with Parole Possibility in Racist Road-Rage Murder

The sentence follows a racially charged altercation that led to the death of Henry Tapia, sparking disappointment from Tapia's family who hoped for a harsher penalty.

Dean Kapsalis, 56, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for the racially motivated road-rage murder of Henry Tapia in 2021.
The incident occurred after a heated argument over Kapsalis failing to use a turn signal, which escalated when Kapsalis used a racial slur and then struck Tapia with his vehicle.
Kapsalis initially fled the scene but turned himself in to the police about 30 minutes later.
During his trial, Kapsalis unsuccessfully argued that Tapia’s death was an accident and later made a failed attempt to have his conviction reduced to manslaughter.
Tapia's family expressed disappointment with the sentence, hoping for a life sentence without the possibility of parole.