Steve Ambriz's Killer Pleads Guilty
A few minutes ago, Sara Lynn Ward change her plea to guilty on count on, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, in the death of Orange Councilman Steve Ambriz. Steve was killed last May 25 when an intoxicated Ward slammed into him, widowing his wife Bridget and orphaning his daughter Kaitlyn.
Ward also plead guilty to driving while in possession of marijuana.
She will be sentenced at 9:00 a.m. on July 27 in Department C41. The maximum she can receive is 10 years.
I spoke with Orange Councilman Jon Dumitru, who's been friends with Steve since they were kids. Jon said the courtroom was packed with Ambriz friends and family.
"I know that in my young life, I have made an impact in the lives of others. I know that in the big picture, I have made a difference in the community. And in the end, I will be well rewarded for my dedication and commitment to my community. Most importantly, I know that I would not be where I am today if not for the community that I love."
- Steven Frank Ambriz
UPDATE: Here's the new release from the District Attorney's office:
DRIVER PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING ORANGE CITY COUNCILMAN IN HEAD-ON CAR CRASH WHILE ON METHAMPHETAMINE
*Victim was Orange City Councilman Steven Ambriz
SANTA ANA - A 31-year-old woman was convicted today of killing an Orange Councilman while driving under the influence of methamphetamine. Sara Lyn Ward, a grocery story clerk, pleaded guilty to the court to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and possession of marijuana while driving. The defendant, who was indicted on the charges on September 1, 2006, is scheduled to be sentenced Friday, July 27, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The People will request the maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
On the evening of May 25, 2006, Ward was driving her 2002 Dodge Dakota pick-up truck while under the influence of methamphetamine. She was driving erratically on Santiago Canyon Road in Orange and veering her car across the 12-foot asphalt median onto the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic. While driving on the wrong side of the road, Ward crashed head-on into a Toyota Camry driven by Orange City Councilman Steven Frank Ambriz, who was killed in the crash. He is survived by a wife and 4-year-old daughter. Ward was also in possession of marijuana at the time of the crash.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Olivieri of the Felony Projects Unit is prosecuting this case.
Jubal, I think I read that this was the SECOND time she killed someone. Ten years doesn't seem even close to being long enough.
Posted by: Just 10 years?! | May 11, 2007 at 11:53 AM
It won't bring Steve back but I hope she rots in jail.
Posted by: Great News! | May 11, 2007 at 11:53 AM
God forgive her for what she has done. Steve's legacy will go on in our hearts forever.
Posted by: | May 11, 2007 at 12:18 PM
I can't think of a better case for Todd Spitzer for DA. She is going to be out of jail in 5 years. This is outrageous!
Posted by: Run Todd, Run! | May 11, 2007 at 12:39 PM
US Border patrol agent Jose Alonso Compean was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Ignacio Ramos to 11 years and one day for shooting a drug smuggler who lived.
The maximum Sara Lynn Ward can receive is 10 years.
Something is seriously wrong with our judical system.
Posted by: Thomas A Gordon | May 11, 2007 at 12:42 PM
Thomas - Aparently Ramos & Campean should been drunk and on drugs - they would have gotten lighter sentences.
Posted by: Flowerszzz | May 11, 2007 at 06:15 PM
To answer "just 10 years"...yes indeed, when Ms. Ward was a minor, she pulled a mother of 3 out of her car and beat her to death in La Habra. So this is indeed the 2nd life she has taken.
Posted by: Jon Dumitru | May 12, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Not to mention the other lives she has taken - or altered forever by her actions! Geeze how does someone like that live with herself?
Posted by: FLowerszzz | May 12, 2007 at 10:25 AM
It is so unfortunate that we all have made many mistakes in our lives, yet we are so quick to be judged. I pray that both parties are able to seek forgiveness in themselves and in others. It is such a shame that such a tramatic loss has occured, yet others are continuing to speak with such hatred. We do not know the truth behind the driver as a human being. May God bless her soul to grow from this, he left her here for a reason. There is only one true judge and it is God himself. May Steven Ambriz also be in the arms of the angels above looking upon his family and living on in many hearts.
Posted by: mommyof2 | June 08, 2007 at 03:09 PM