Illegal Street Racing and the Consequences

Tonight only on ‪#‎CBS2‬ News at 11 p.m., Paul Magers goes undercover with a special LAPD unit in pursuit of illegal street racers.

Bryan Padgett Rest in Peace - We miss you son

Bryan, Margaret, Edward, and Kristine

Seven years ago today we received the horrific news that our son, Bryan Padgett, had been killed in an auto accident during an illegal street race on Azusa Avenue.

The coroner from Los Angeles had the terrible task of informing us and leaving his personal effects with us. I still carry Bryan's wallet in my pocket, as it deteriorates from time.

Our family will gather at his grave at 10:30 am to recall the good times we all enjoyed together and say a few prayers for him.

I miss all family members that have passed, but a child is missed much more, and thought of often.

Tuesday Morning in the Blogosphere

Cosmo icon Helen Gurley Brown dies at 90 - Poynter

Repairing and Retrofitting America - Frying Pan News

Harker gets $200K defense contractor directorship - Gannett Blog

Leaving the Los Angeles Times staff is Dean Kuipers - LAObserved

When Will Google Buy The Los Angeles Times? - Brady Westwater

Alleged street racing killer of pro cyclist Jorge Alvarado - Biking in LA

JC Penney Looks to Newspapers in Revamped Marketing Push - Ad Age

IBEW Local 1212 Contingent at Workers Stand For America Rally - BUN

Blogger bills TV station after seeing his video in a news report - Romenesko

Rumors of newspapers’ death have been greatly exaggerated - Bluefield Telegraph

Two charged with murder in Santa Clarita street racing death

What was left after my son's fatal accident while street racing

News Release - Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney

Two young men were arrested today on a felony complaint for arrest warrant charging them with murder in connection with the death of a friend early this year during a street race between two cars in Santa Clarita.

The defendants – both from Canyon Country -- were named in a felony complaint for arrest warrant filed by the District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.

They were arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s - Santa Clarita Valley Station investigators and are scheduled to appear for arraignment Friday, August 10, in San Fernando Superior Court, Dept. S., 900 Third St., San Fernando.

Bail for each was recommended at $1 million. If convicted, each defendant faces a state prison sentence of life with the possibility of parole.

Charged in case No. PA 074271 are Colt Sean Doherty, 19 (dob 12/28/1992), and Thomas Joseph Vensko, 20 (dob 3/19/1992). Each are charged with one count of second-degree murder.

Doherty additionally was charged with one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated while Vensko was charged with vehicular manslaughter. It also was alleged that Vensko fled the scene of the crime. Doherty also was charged with one count of D.U.I. causing injury. It was alleged he personally inflicted great bodily injury the victim.

Dakota Demott, 19, a passenger in Doherty’s Mustang, was thrown out of the car and killed on Jan. 10, 2012, when the vehicle crashed while street racing a Honda driven by Vensko in Santa Clarita. The crash occurred after the cars left a fast food restaurant at Sand Canyon Road shortly before 11 p.m., authorities said.

Vensko, who had two passengers in his car, fled. Doherty’s car crashed into a tree, killing Demott and critically injuring Doherty. Doherty has since recovered, according to authorities.

Deputy District Attorney Ruby Arias of the San Fernando branch office is prosecuting the case.

SOURCE: LASD - HQ Newsroom (SHB), Los Angeles County Sheriff

h/t  Bernard C. Parks

In Memory of Bryan Padgett - 01.11.83 - 08.08.07

Slideshow of Bryan Padgett and his family members, set to his favorite band, The Doors. Bryan passed away on August 8th, 2007 as the direct result of street racing in Azusa, California. Bryan is missed by everyone he touched in his short 24 years, but is still with us at all times.



On August 8, 2007 Bryan Padgett left this world way too soon. Listen as his father shares in his own words about the grief he and his family still feels after losing their 24 year-old son in an illegal street race and why he has teamed up with Hollywood Stuntman Sammy Maloof to do something about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dprcFe1Gyk