Elderly driver accused of killing family of 4 avoids jail time

SAN JOSE, Calif. (TCN) – An 80-year-old woman has been sentenced to probation in connection with a 2024 crash that killed a family of four.

According to KTVU, on March 16, 2024, Mary Lau was driving more than 70 miles per hour when her vehicle jumped a curb and struck a family waiting at a bus stop to go to the zoo. Diego Cardoso de Oliviera, 40, Matilde Moncada Ramos Pinto, 38, and their sons, 1-year-old Joaquim and 3-month-old Caue, were killed.

KTVU reports that Mary Lau pleaded no content to four felony counts of vehicular manslaughter, which the judge accepted. She was sentenced to two years of probation and will be banned from driving for three years. In addition, she must complete 200 hours of community service. The judge’s decision was based on Lau’s age, lack of criminal history, and the remorse shown.

SFist reports that in February, Lau changed her plea from not guilty to no contest. An investigation into the crash was conducted but it was unclear why Lau crashed into the bus shelter. She was not under the influence or experiencing a medical emergency, was not using her phone, and did not have mechanical issues with her car.

Pinto and Oliviera married in 2020 and were described as warm and loving parents. Pinto was from Portugal, Olivieria was from Brazil, and the two met in the United Kingdom before moving together to San Francisco, California. Victim impact statements were read by friends and family in the courtroom; one of the statements detailed how infant Caue was removed from life support so his organs could be donated. Lau reportedly apologized throughout the readings of the statements, SFist reports.

Denise Oliviera, Oliviera’s sister, was disappointed with the decision. SFist reports that she said, “The consequences … for [Lau’s] actions are not a true match for the size of the tragedy.”

Family members released a joint statement that read, “We are outraged that the Court imposed a sentence that not only falls short of justice, but disregards the recommendation of the Adult Probation Department, which called for greater accountability, including 400 hours of community service and one year of home detention. Even those modest recommendations were ignored by Judge Chan,” according to KQED.

People reports that more than 13,000 signed a petition urging the judge to sentenced Lau to jail.

Lau will have to make a final restitution payment, the amount of which will be decided at a later date, likely between $67,000 and $300,000. Family members told KQED that they plan to continue a civil wrongful death case against Lau.

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