Lesser Conviction for Driver in D.U.I. Case
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A drunken driver was convicted of manslaughter rather than murder on Friday in the death of a Jehovah’s Witness, who died after refusing blood transfusions because of her beliefs. The driver, Keith Cook, a 32-year-old auto mechanic, was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter in the death of Jadine Russell, driving under the influence and causing injury to Mrs. Russell’s daughter, Jennifer. The jury found that he also injured two police officers while driving with a blood-alcohol level of at least 0.08 percent. Mr. Cook’s truck hit a car on March 7 in Azusa, pushing that vehicle into Mrs. Russell, who was standing by the side of the road. Mrs. Russell, 55, suffered broken bones and severe bleeding. But she told emergency workers and doctors, ”No blood!” at least 10 times, relatives said. Defense lawyers argued that Mrs. Russell’s refusal of blood transfusions actually killed her. The manslaughter conviction carries a penalty of 15 years to life in prison because Mr. Cook has a prior conviction for drunken driving. Sentencing was set for Feb. 11. |