The family of a postal worker killed last month – after his legs were severed by unlicensed driver who pinned the man against his mail truck – is expressing outrage that the motorist won’t be charged with felony manslaughter.
Earl Anthony Dunn, a 32-year-old from Compton, was standing near the rear of his U.S. Postal Service vehicle in Boyle Heights on March 7 when he was struck by another car and pinned.
Several hours after the crash in the 1100 block of Prado Street, Dunn died of his injuries in the hospital.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges – determining that driver Felipe Soto, 59, was not under the influence or speeding. The case was then taken up by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.
Dunn’s family members – speaking out for the first time Wednesday – said they want justice and hope the District Attorney’s Office will reconsider.
“I’m very angry because I don’t think it’s fair – because he killed my husband – that he could go home, he could go see his family,” said widow Janell Dunn.
Soto has been charged with three misdemeanor counts: vehicular manslaughter, driving with a suspended license, and driving without a valid license, City Attorney’s Office spokesman Frank Mateljan said. Soto has also been charged with an infraction for failing to have proof of car insurance, Mateljan said.
Soto’s next court date is April 20.
The Dunns, however, hope to see felony charges pursued by county prosecutors.
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“I just want justice. I think that would help me cope with everything,” Janell Dunn said.
District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Jane Robison said Wednesday that Soto could have only have been charged with felony vehicular manslaughter if he were driving recklessly, under the influence or speeding.
“There were none of these,” Robison said. “Unfortunately, it was a tragic accident.”
Soto faces 18 months in jail if convicted on all counts, Mateljan said.
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