A Southern California mother has struck a plea bargain with prosecutors after a catastrophic drink-driving incident that left a six-year-old boy dead and multiple victims injured in a devastating chain-reaction crash.
Kendra Mackenzie Boone, a 33-year-old resident of Lake Forest, entered her plea in Orange County Superior Court this week, bringing partial closure to a case that has haunted the local community since the tragic events unfolded.
The Fateful Night That Shattered Lives
The incident occurred on December 8, 2023, when Boone, allegedly under the influence, slammed her Ford Explorer into multiple vehicles at an intersection in Mission Viejo. The collision proved fatal for young Bastian Sanabria, who was travelling with his family in one of the struck vehicles.
"This wasn't just an accident—it was a preventable tragedy that has left a family destroyed," said Senior Deputy District Attorney Daniel Feldman during court proceedings.
Legal Reckoning and Sentencing
Boone pleaded guilty to one felony count of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated, alongside a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to multiple victims. The plea arrangement spares her a potential lengthier sentence but ensures significant prison time.
The agreed-upon sentence includes:
- Four years in state prison for vehicular manslaughter
- An additional four years for the great bodily injury enhancement
- Formal sentencing scheduled for November 15
A Community in Mourning
The case has highlighted the devastating consequences of drink-driving, particularly in a state where DUI laws remain stringent. Emergency responders described the scene as "chaotic" with multiple injured parties requiring immediate medical attention.
Bastian's family members, present in court, watched solemnly as Boone acknowledged her responsibility in the proceedings. The emotional weight of the hearing was palpable throughout the courtroom.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the irreversible damage that can occur when individuals choose to drive under the influence, leaving families and communities to grapple with the aftermath.
