Bradley Ellis had just walked out of a Fresno County courtroom Friday when he locked eyes with the woman responsible for killing his wife in a vehicle crash three years ago.
The driver, 25-year-old Wallowa Bates, received no jail time and was sentenced to probation and work release.
But rather than lashing out at the teary-eyed Bates, Ellis offered forgiveness and a heartfelt hug.
It was late afternoon on May 29, 2023, when Bates, driving a 2013 Mercedes Sedan, was heading east on International Avenue when she blew through a stop sign. The Mercedes broadsided a Honda driven by 45-year-old Ellis, who was killed. Her two children, ages 8 and 10 at the time, were riding in the back seat, were injured but survived.
Bates, who was experiencing “an emotional crisis” when she caused the crash, was charged with felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence. She agreed to plead no contest in exchange for a lighter sentence.
Bates’ attorney Roger Bonakdar said Bates regrets that day more than anything else she’s experienced in her life. She thinks about it every day and hasn’t driven a car since. She is even scared to ride in a car.
“This is a tragic incident that could have happened to anybody, and for that, Ms. Bates is sympathetic to the family members who are here today,” Bonakdar said. “And if she had one wish, it would be to not have been driving that day, and for their loved one to be here with them.”
Bates did not speak during her sentencing. She stood next to her attorney, wiping tears from her eyes as he spoke about her attending therapy.
Family members of the victim said Friday that while they are still struggling to deal with the loss of their loved one, they realize no amount of jail time will ease their pain or bring her back.
Jennifer Ellis Special to the Bee
Chrissy Iadarola, Ellis’ younger sister, said the loss of her big sister, “Jenny” as she liked to be called, will be ever lasting. They would speak frequently and share stories about their lives and children. She would often seek advice from Jenny, including medical advice since she was a pediatric pharmacist at Valley Children’s Hospital.
She still remembers the day her brother-in-law called to tell her about the crash. She was in shock, refusing to believe her sister was gone.
“I begged Brad to have the doctors check again. They must have just missed hearing her pulse. Please have another doctor give a second opinion, third opinion, fourth opinion,” she said in her victim impact statement. “It could not be possible that my big sister was gone at the young age of 45 years old.”
Iadarola knows the effects of her sister’s death will continue to ripple through their families for many years and generations. “My grief at losing my sister, my best friend, is felt every day and will continue to be felt for the rest of my life,” she said.
Ellis’ brother Martin Herrmann described his sister as his best friend. She was the one who would chase away his bullies when he was younger, or invite him to hang out with her friends. They shared many laughs, concerts and loss together.
Herrmann’s mother passed away about a month before Ellis did. He credits her for helping him grieve.
“Everything about life and God came to a screeching halt at that moment. No other death so close to all of us had ever happened,” he said. “When Wallowa killed Jenny, I lost that person who was holding my hand through that dark grieving journey. I lost the person I would call when nothing else about Mom being gone made sense. I lost the person that helped me to feel like life could still go on.”
In handing down his sentence, Judge Daniel J. Brickey said while some may not see his sentence as justice, it was a resolution that both sides agreed was acceptable. Prosecuting Bates was Matthew Hamilton, deputy district attorney.
Wallowa Bates Special to the Bee
Brickey added that at the time of the crash, Bates was “suffering from an emotional crisis related to either a relationship or to work or to both.”
“And when she was negligent, the worst possible outcome did in fact occur,” he said.
If Bates, who is from Alaska, successfully completes her probation and finishes her 90 days in the adult offender work program, the felony will automatically be reduced to a misdemeanor, Brickey said.
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A Valley native, Robert has worked at The Fresno Bee since 1994, covering various topics including education, business, courts and agriculture.