San Francisco Judge Sentences Mary Fong Lau to Probation for Fatal West Portal Crash Killing Family of Four

In a tragic incident that shook Northern California, an elderly driver responsible for the deaths of a family of four has been handed a sentence of probation, two years after the fatal crash. The courtroom in San Francisco was filled with a somber atmosphere as 80-year-old Mary Fong Lau faced her sentencing on Friday.

Lau, who pleaded no contest to the charges, was sentenced to six days in jail, which she has already served, alongside two years of probation and a requirement to complete 200 hours of community service. The decision was announced by the judge who took into consideration Lau’s advanced age and her previously clean record prior to the tragic event that occurred in San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood.

The sentencing has stirred emotions, with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressing her dissatisfaction, particularly over the fact that Lau was not required to formally enter a guilty plea. Jenkins also voiced concerns about the possibility of Lau eventually being allowed to drive again, a prospect that raises questions about road safety and accountability.

The jail sentence is the number of days she’s already served — there will be no additional time.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins expressed frustration that Lau was not required to enter a plea, and that she could one day drive again.

“This is not a crime that we believe was intentional conduct, and there are limitations of what she is able to do physically- but again, simply because you are elderly does not mean that there shouldn’t be sufficient accountability. That is what my office’s position remains to be. There has to be a form of accountability that actually gives this family a sense of justice that sends a message to other drivers on the road in San Francisco, said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.

Lau’s attorney said she was remorseful.

“There are no good outcomes for such an immense tragedy. Everyone who came to court felt the pain that is present in the community and from these families and we feel it- too. Mrs. Lau feels the pain of this tragic loss. She has taken accountability by pleading no contest. Not requiring the district attorney’s office to do a preliminary hearing or to take the case to trial which would have taken years with an unknown outcome. She hopes that by entering a no contest plead it could begin a process of healing for these families,” said Seth Morris, Lau’s attorney.

Two years ago, this week the family of four was on their way to the San Francisco Zoo with their two young children when they were killed by Lau driving 70 miles an hour in the residential area of West Portal in San Francisco.

No car issues have been discovered that might have led to this crash. A witness on the scene said Lau told her she had hit the gas instead of the brakes. Aside from the criminal case, there are two civil cases against Lau where it was discovered she had transferred her assets during this process.

“She doesn’t have home detention- she doesn’t have any restriction of her freedom. She just has to ask permission to maybe travel out of state, it’s minimal in the consequences. They asked her for 200 hours of community service that rounds up to about five weeks. Five weeks of undefined community service which could mean whatever. We don’t know what for- taking four lives. That is what we have and that is just not fair. That is not justice and doesn’t give anything to the family to make them feel that they were heard,” said Jim Quadra, victims family attorney in the civil case against Lau.

As part of the sentence, Lau will not be allowed to drive for three years but is allowed to renew her license after that period.

Her attorney said she did not intend to drive again.

This was also the first time she looked at the family and said she was sorry.