On Friday, Feb. 11, 2010, a Long Beach man was sentenced to five years in prison for causing a fatal multiple-car crash in Seal Beach in 2007.
Two people died in the car crash.
He was apparently sober at the time of the car crash.
Deneshio Samuel Lankford, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of vehicular manslaughter last week. He was originally charged with two counts of manslaughter. He also admitted to the sentencing enhancement of causing great bodily injury. Technically, Lankford was sentenced to two years for the manslaughter count and given an additional three years for causing great bodily injury.
In a press release, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said the people of the state of California (meaning the prosecutor assigned to the case) objected to the five year prison term. Deputy District Attorney Jason Baez advocated the maximum sentence, which is nine years in prison.
Four cars, two deaths
The crime occurred on Sunday evening, May 20, 2007.
According to the most recent statement by the DA’s office, Lankford was driving on PCH at about 85 mph at the time. (When the DA’s office announced Lankford’s arraignment on April 24, 2009, the statement said he was driving at 100 mph.)
In the May 24, 2007 issue of the Sun Newspapers, then Seal Beach Police Sgt. Bob Mullins (now a lieutenant), said, “It looks like speed was a contributing factor to the accident.”
He said there was no evidence alcohol was involved.
The night of the crash, Lankford apparently lost control of his Honda. Lankford’s car struck a BMW head on. Lankford’s car split in half. Debris from the crash struck at least two other cars.
Lankford’s passenger, Grisna Meas, 17, was in the passenger seat when the crash occurred.
Meas died at the scene. So did the driver of the BMW, Rick Vetter, 52.
A third person suffered broken bones to her lower extremities and Lankford himself was treated for broken legs.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Web site, Lankford was arrested on April 7, 2009.
He has been in custody ever since.
According to the DA’s office, Lankford’s driver’s license was revoked.
He will have to apply for a new license when he gets out of prison.
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