El Granada Man Sentenced in Fatal Crash Involving Apple Engineer
LA HONDA, CA (March 29, 2024) — After nearly eight years, Tom Shelton Doane, 54, from El Granada, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for the vehicular manslaughter of an Apple software engineer on a La Honda road. Doane’s no contest plea comes after a protracted legal battle, including a conviction reversal by a state appeals court.
The La Honda hit-and-run case, which occurred on March 27, 2016, resulted in the death of 46-year-old Francois Jouaux from Woodside. Prosecutors detailed that Jouaux was struck head-on by Doane’s Ford F-250, leading to fatal injuries.
Initially convicted in 2017, Doane’s sentence was overturned in 2021, with the appeals court citing errors in the handling of circumstantial evidence. While his hit-and-run conviction remained, the manslaughter charge was refiled by San Mateo County prosecutors.
Judge Sean Dabel also mandated Doane to compensate over $1 million in restitution to Jouaux’s widow, recognizing the profound loss suffered. Although Doane has been credited for time served, sparing him further jail time, the conclusion of this case marks a somber chapter for both families involved.
For individuals facing the aftermath of traffic-related legal issues, seeking professional legal counsel is crucial. The La Honda hit-and-run case took years to resolve but ultimately demonstrates the importance of a fair and thorough investigation process.
If such an incident unfortunately happens to you or a loved one, RTM Law Firm is committed to providing expert guidance and support in challenging times. Our California pedestrian injury and wrongful death lawyers are ready to help victims get the compensation deserved. Call us for a free consultation.
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