Teen sentenced in manslaughter case
By Saria Kraft
kraft@theacorn.com

The Moorpark driver who struck down a young couple on Highway 101 in Newbury Park was sentenced last week in Ventura County Superior Court.

In January, George Paul Henderson, 19, pleaded guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter in the Nov. 13 deaths of Shantile Stanton of Reseda and German Bonilla of Mission Hills, both 19.

Judge Bruce Clark gave Henderson a seven-year sentence in state prison and ordered him to pay approximately $22,000 in fines and restitution to the victims’ families, according to court records.

The charges, including driving under the influence and other enhancements, carried a prison term of up to 13 years, four months, said Deputy District Attorney Theresa Pollara.

"Under the circumstances, (Henderson) did the best thing he could, which is to accept responsibility early on," Pollara said.

Stanton and Bonilla were stalled on the southbound 101 near Ventu Park Road when Henderson’s vehicle slammed into the rear of their car. Henderson’s 1995 Toyota Camry, which said to be going 70 to 80 mph, entered the emergency lane and struck Stanton’s 1990 Buick Skylark near the center divider.

Henderson was attempting to pass rush hour traffic, investigators said.

During the hearing, Fernando Cedillo presented photographs of his stepdaughter and her boyfriend to the defendant’s attorney. Henderson studied each one carefully, Pollara said.

"(Cedillo) raised the girl since she was six months old," Pollara said. "He said he walked her to elementary school because he wanted her to be safe."

Cedillo spoke about the funds that were to have paid for Stanton’s wedding. Instead, they were used for her funeral, he said.

German Bonilla, Sr., said he wanted justice for the death of his son, but did not bear hatred toward Henderson.

"It’s in the hands of the judge and in the hands of God," Bonilla, Sr. said.

Henderson’s passenger, Clinton La Quadra, told the court that injuries he sustained in the crash were minimal and that his friend was a good person. While apologizing to the victims’ families, La Quadra was overcome with emotion and had to leave the witness stand.

The defense entered a report that included 29 letters from Henderson’s friends, family and coworkers. The letters spoke to his favorable work history at a shop in Cabrillo Beach and to the generous nature of the accomplished skateboarder.

Because Henderson had a prior drunk driving offense, a probation officer’s report also was entered.

Ventura County Public Defender Steve Lipson, who represented Henderson, did not return telephone calls for this story.