Driving Under the Influence-Spotlight: Misdemeanor DUI Deputy District Attorneys - Justice Journal Episode 57
On this page
DNA Hit To Cold Case Prosecution: UC Davis Sweetheart Murders Part 2 - Justice Journal Episode 3
enNovember 14, 2018
About this Episode
Description: How the cold case prosecution for the 1980 murders of two UC Davis students unfolded over 30+ years. Part 2 picks up with the 2002 DNA hit to an unknown suspect, Richard Hirschfield, the new investigation that followed and preparing the case for a capital murder trial.
Show Notes: The big break in the case came in 2002 when a DNA sample from a blanket at the crime scene provided a DNA hit to Richard Hirschfield. Getting the DNA hit was just the beginning. Bladet and Garverick talk about the investigation and building the case from that point.
Hirschfield was someone who was never on the radar, an unknown suspect. They share what they quickly learned about who Hirschfield was, about his life, connections to the Sacramento region and his past criminal history.
Garverick explains the process of putting the many pieces of the investigation together - like a puzzle - and filling the holes. Bladet explains the trial preparation and challenges with this cold case, including 80 banker boxes full of discovery (documents/materials), witnesses passing away, memories fading and the evidence chain of custody over many decades -among others.
This case was featured on 48 Hours (https://www.cbsnews.com/video/the-sweetheart-murders-3/).
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+ and find us on YouTube.
Tags: District Attorney, Cold Cases, Cold Case Prosecutions, DNA, DNA Evidence, DNA Hit, Forensic Science, UC Davis, Sweetheart Murders, Justice, Capital Murder, Death Penalty, True Crime, Justice Journal
Recent Episodes from Justice Journal
Driving Under the Influence: Spotlight: California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)- Justice Journal Episode 56
Description: Discussion with longtime driving under the influence (DUI) prevention partner the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) about how the organization works to protect the safety of all those on our highways and roads as well as pedestrians.
Show Notes: Guest Deputy Director of Marketing & Public Affairs Tim Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves – their backgrounds and current roles.
Weisberg describes his past professional background and his current role managing all OTS marketing, media campaigns and outreach programs.
Hayes explains his past professional background and current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Weisberg provides background on OTS – its mission, history and how it’s working to keep people safe on our roads and highways. He also details what types of organizations OTS most often partners with and how they support them. One of the ways OTS supports organizations is through grants.
Host, Shelly Orio, discusses how OTS has supported the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office for many years – with grants totaling nearly $8.75 million since 2010. These grants have funded the prosecution of DUI/DUID cases, training for law enforcement officers on DUI/DUID investigations, prevention programs, Crime Lab purchases of specialized equipment to test for certain drugs, many new breath alcohol testing devices and an instrument to analyze alcohol (gas) in blood samples. OTS grants have also funded Crime Lab staff overtime costs to provide on-site assistance at DUI checkpoints.
Hayes shares his experience facilitating the OTS grant, how he has seen these grant dollars put into action and the impact the grant work has had on prosecutions and student education.
Weisberg explains the other types of grants OTS funds and for what types of organizations as well as how organizations can apply for OTS grants.
Weisberg and Hayes talk about new issues and challenges with DUI/DUID trends. They both agree driving under the influence of drugs is the most pressing challenge. Hayes adds that the legalization of marijuana also poses challenges to cases of driving under the influence of marijuana. Weisberg then explains how OTS sets mission priorities and counter measures to different issues impacting road safety.
Weisberg shares what outreach OTS is currently conducting -including PSA campaigns and safety programs such as Go Safely. He also shares other resources available through OTS on driving safety information.
Hayes and Weisberg close by giving their key takeaways from this discussion.
RESOURCES:
OTS on social media Facebook @CaliforniaOTS and Instagram and Twitter @ots_ca.
Driving Under the Influence: Spotlight on Prevention Partners- Justice Journal Episode 55
Description: Discussion with two longtime DUI/DUID prevention partner organizations Arrive Alive, CA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving about prevention programs, focusing on the Real DUI Court in Schools program, the importance of reaching children early and the importance of partnerships.
Show Notes: Guests Arrive Alive CA CEO Angela Webb, MADD Victim Services Specialist Rhonda Campbell and Lead Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Gregory Hayes introduce themselves.
Hayes explains his current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Hayes states current DUI penal codes. Hayes, Webb and Campbell talk about the scope of the DUI/DUID problem with local and national stats.
Webb and Campbell talk about the importance of reaching kids early – elementary and middle school – to shape their ideas and provide accurate information about DUI/DUID. They explain high school is when they act on their ideas/beliefs. Webb explains the Real DUI Court in Schools program and gives stats on the number of students reached since the start of the program. Hayes and Campbell talk about their involvement in the program. Webb, Campbell and Hayes share the feedback they have received about Real DUI Court in Schools and why they believe the program is so effective among students.
Campbell talks about other MADD programs, how they work and why they are effective.
Webb and Campbell talk about the challenges, changes and successes they have experienced over their time working in prevention. They give insight into the importance of partnerships and who they work with to get the message across to different audiences. They also share what keeps them motivated and energized to continue their work.
Hayes, Campbell and Webb close the discussion by giving advice, resources and key takeaways.
RESOURCES:
https://www.arrivealiveca.com/
https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube
Driving Under the Influence: Surviving Family Member, Prevention Advocate- Justice Journal Episode 54
Description: A personal story of losing a loved one to a DUI offender nearly 14 years ago, the lasting impacts of that loss, about the court process, what more can be done to prevent DUI crashes and deaths and what is being done to help victims and prevent more DUI tragedies.
Show Notes: Guests Cody Spaeth and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves. Deputy DA Hayes explains his current role related to DUI cases and the DUI/DUID prosecution and Education Outreach program. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Cody begins the discussion by sharing her personal story – starting with what her family was like prior to April 2009, who her father Stan was, what he was like and what Cody remembers most about him. She then talks through the night her father was killed by an already four-time repeat DUI offender. Cody shares how the crash happened, what happened to her father and the traumatic way she and her mother found out that her father was killed by a DUI driver.
Cody explains what happened in the criminal case against the DUI offender and her experience going through the court process starting when she was just 14 years old. Deputy DA Greg Hayes then explains current DUI laws as well as available victim support services and victims’ rights advocacy.
Since undergoing those very traumatic experiences, Cody now speaks to high school students and DUI offender classes to educate and prevent more victims and their families from experiencing the same tragedy.
DDA Hayes and shares information about the many DUI prevention efforts being made by the DA’s Office, including a number of programs for high school students as well as programs for adults.
Cody closes the discussion by talking about the lasting impact her father’s death has had on her and her family– how it led her to her current profession, helping other victims and speaking to the public about how every life matters.
RESOURCES:
https://www.arrivealiveca.com/
https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube
Driving Under the Influence: Surviving Family Member, MADD Advocate- Justice Journal Episode 53
Description: A personal story of losing a loved one to a DUI offender decades ago, the lasting impacts of that loss, how the case was handled at that time, the progress made with current DUI cases, what more can be done and how MADD and the DA’s Office is working to help victims and prevent more DUI tragedies.
Show Notes: Guests Rhonda Campbell and Lead Deputy District Attorney Gregory Hayes introduce themselves and their current roles related to DUI cases, victim advocacy and prevention efforts.
Rhonda begins the discussion by sharing her personal story – starting with what her family was like 40 years ago, who her sister Irene was, what she was like and what Rhonda remembers most about Irene. She then talks through the day 12-year-old Irene was killed by a four-time repeat DUI offender. Rhonda shares how the crash happened, what happened to Irene, how her parents were told and ultimately how her parents had to tell Rhonda that her little sister was gone.
Rhonda explains what happened in the criminal case against the DUI offender and how the offender’s rights were put ahead of the rights of Rhonda’s family. Deputy DA Greg Hayes then explains current DUI laws and what charges/sentences the offender in Irene’s case could have faced under current DUI laws. He also explains the progress made with victim advocacy and victims’ rights.
Rhonda talks about the lasting impact Irene’s death has had on her, her family and the entire community – even four decades later. Her way of honoring Irene’s memory is to dedicate her life to preventing other families from experiencing the same tragedy
DDA Hayes and Rhonda close the discussion by sharing information about the many DUI prevention efforts being made by the DA’s Office and MADD, including a number of programs for high school students as well as programs for adults.
Irene Ruth Harris
RESOURCES:
https://www.arrivealiveca.com/
https://www.sacda.org/in-the-community/community-programs/
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Involving Prescription/Mixed Drugs - Justice Journal Episode 52
Description: Discussion on DUI involving prescription and mixed drugs, and how to avoid driving while having an unintentional or intentional adverse reaction to prescription medicines and/or other drugs.
Show Notes: Lead Deputy District Attorney Greg Hayes, Supervising Criminalist Craig Triebold and CHP Officer Travis Herbert participate in a discussion on DUIs involving prescription medicines and mixed drugs.
Officer Herbert talks about the challenge of identifying DUIs as a result of prescription and/or other drugs. They are general impairment arrests, with cause of impairment to be determined by the Crime Lab.
Supervising Criminalist Triebold explains what the Crime Lab is seeing when analyzing DUI cases, specifically with prescription drugs and mixed drugs. He gives the top 10 most prevalent drugs found and identified some of the brand name prescription drugs often found in DUI cases.
Lead Deputy DA Hayes explains the penal codes and different charges for DUI. He also talks about the difference between charging for DUI involving alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and/or mixed drug use. He goes on to talk about potential sentences for the different charges. He then talks about some types of DUI cases the District Attorney’s Office is currently prosecuting, including those involving prescription medicines.
The group shares their advice on how to avoid adverse reactions to prescription medicines, the effects of medicines and knowing when it’s not safe to drive. The three share the common messages of talk to your doctor about medicines they prescribe and ask questions about their side effects and adverse reactions. Also, talk to your pharmacist and take advantage of the consultations they provide. Finally, the lasting advice is if you don’t feel right, don’t drive.
Those who intentionally misuse prescription medications should know there are significant changes to the effects on the brain and body then when used properly. These changes can significantly impact the ability to drive. Those who intentionally abuse prescription meds and drives impaired will be arrested and prosecuted.
RESOURCES:
US Food & Drug Administration – Taking Medicine as Prescribed
National Institute on Drug Abuse – Prescription Medicines
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube
Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, DUI, DUID, Prescription Medicines, Drugs, Drug Mix Use
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Youth Prevention - Justice Journal Episode 51
Description: Discussion on problem of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and/or drugs (DUID) and the education and prevention efforts among youth – focusing mostly on teenagers.
Show Notes: Judge Curtis Fiorini, Deputy District Attorney Stefanie Mahaffey, CEO Angela Webb of Arrive Alive, California and CHP Officer Travis Herbert discuss the issue of DUI/DUID and efforts to educate and prevent teenagers from becoming offenders or victims.
They start by talking about the problem of DUI/DUID in the Sacramento community. In 2020, the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office filed 263 felony and 3,954 misdemeanor DUI/DUID cases. Stefanie states the case rates are tracking the same in 2021 and so far in 2022.
The group then shares the specific challenges of DUI/DUID among youth. Officer Herbert details what he and other CHP officers observe with youth who are under the influence and how it affects them more profoundly than adults.
The discussion turns to the importance of reaching teenagers, and younger kids, early on to educate them about DUI issues. Angela then explains what the “Real DUI Court in Schools” program. Judge Fiorini and Stefanie talk about how they are involved in the program? The group shares the feedback they receive and their thoughts/insights into the program. Officer Herbert talks about additional youth DUI/DUID programs the CHP holds, including “Every 15 Minutes.”
All participants close the discussion by giving parents/guardians advice and resources to help prevent their teenagers from driving under the influence or getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver.
RESOURCES: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at MADD.org
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube
Tags – Justice Journal Podcast, DUI, DUID, Youth Offenders, Arrive Alive, California Highway Patrol, CHP, Office of Traffic Safety, OTS, MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Mass Victimization Trauma and the Crisis Response Team - Justice Journal Episode 50
Description: Discussion on what mass victimization trauma is and how the Mass Victimization Crisis Response Team works together to provide support services for those directly and indirectly impacted by a large-scale, multi-victim criminal incident.
Show Notes: District Attorney Victim Witness Assistance Program Manager Nina Acosta provides a general overview of the District Attorney’s Victim Witness Assistance Program and what services they provide to victims of crime.
Nina and District Attorney Victim Advocate Michelle Husbands define and discuss mass victimization trauma and the difference between services provided to direct victims who were physically injured and indirect victims who were not injured but witnessed the incident.
Michelle explains what the Mass Victimization Response Team is, what organizations are typically involved, how they work together and our office’s role on team.
Nina and Michelle discuss the Family Assistance Center that was recently setup in Sacramento and that services are still available for those impacted now, and months from now if needed. Some may take longer to process a traumatic event, so resources can be found on the Sacramento County District Attorney’s website when they are ready to seek assistance.
Nina and Michelle close by sharing their closing thoughts on mass victimization trauma, signs of trauma and the importance of those who might need assistance to contact one of the many available resources.
RESOURCES:
https://www.sacda.org/victim-services/victim-witness-assistance-program/
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find us on YouTube.
Tags – Mass Victimization Trauma, Sacramento County District Attorney Victim Witness Assistance Program, Victim Advocates, Mass Victimization Crisis Response Team, Justice Journal Podcast
Surviving Evil: Survivors Turned Advocates - Justice Journal Episode 49
Description: A discussion with survivors of the East Area Rapist turned advocates in recognition of Victim Rights month moderated by Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Guests are Kris Pedretti and Gay Hardwick.
Show Notes: Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Thien Ho moderates a discussion about two survivors who faced the East Area rapist and lived to talk about it. They are now advocates that help other survivors find their voice.
Kris Pedretti talks about her encounter with the East Area Rapist when she was just 15 years old. She describes her experience with law enforcement after the crime and how she was forced to silence herself. Kris talks about her current advocacy work in forming the group “Sexual Assault Survivors: it’s time to tell your story.”
Gay Hardwick discusses the night the East Area Rapist terrorized her and her husband in their new home. She talks about the law enforcement response and how she was made to feel like a stranger in her own home. Gay also explains why she is advocating for assault survivors and helping to teach law enforcement about the victim’s perspective.
The group then discusses how only twenty-five percent of assault victims report the attack, and how to change that number. They talk about victim needs and how the public and law enforcement can help in the healing process. They also discuss how the community can help in these advocacy efforts by having more conversations about the trauma to help de-stigmatize the role of the victim.
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and find us on YouTube.
Tags – District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, Sexual Assault Survivors: it’s time to tell your story, Voices for Victims.
Justice Journal
enApril 26, 2022
The Raging Fentanyl Epidemic - Justice Journal Episode 48
Description: A discussion with affected family members who lost loved ones too soon to Fentanyl poisoning moderated by Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney Thien Ho. Guests are Chris and Laura Didier, Allyssia Funicello and Fire Chief Walt White.
Show Notes: Assistant Chief Deputy District Attorney, Thien Ho moderates a discussion with an experiences first responder and family members of victims lost to fentanyl poisoning.
Laura and Chris Didier talk about their son Zachary, forever 17. Zachary was a star student with a bright future ahead of him until he took a pill he mistakenly believed to be Percocet – it was fentanyl. His father found him unresponsive in his bedroom a couple days after Christmas. The Didiers have now dedicated their life to warning others of this danger. They discuss their work with several non-profit organizations including Song for Charlie.
Allyssia Funicello talks about her brother Mikael, forever 23. Mikael was her baby brother and the favorite uncle to her children. Mikael also took a pill not knowing it was a lethal dose of fentanyl. Allyssia describes her efforts to curtail this epidemic though her work to educate the public about fentanyl poisoning.
Chief Walt White talks about his experience as a first responder. He also shares the story of his brother Vincent who he also lost to fentanyl poisoning. Chief White explains how to use Naloxone and the Good Samaritan laws.
The group then discusses current trends and red flags that parents and other community members should look out for. They also discuss how they collaborate with many organizations to provide support for family members who have lost their loved ones to fentanyl poisoning. The group ends by discussing next steps and how the community can help curtail this epidemic.
For more information please visit www.1pillcankillsac.com.
Follow us @SacCountyDA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and find us on YouTube.
Tags – District Attorney, Justice Journal Podcast, all Fentanyl partners