Drunk Driver Gets 10 Years in Death of Paramedic’s Wife

A former Newhall contractor who pleaded no contest to charges of manslaughter and driving under the influence in a head-on crash that killed a paramedic’s wife was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison.

Tyrone Michael Stewart, 29, entered his plea in court last November but was allowed to remain free while he underwent surgery and recuperated from injuries he sustained in the Oct. 17, 1995, crash that killed Patricia Schonert, 35.

The victim’s husband, Jake Schonert, a paramedic, had been called to the scene of his wife’s fatal accident. When fellow emergency personnel recognized Patricia Schonert as a victim in the crash, his ambulance was ordered back to the fire station.

The crash occurred in the late afternoon as Stewart drove south on San Fernando Road in Santa Clarita, just past Circle J Ranch Road. Authorities said his pickup swerved across the center of the highway into Patricia Schonert’s car, which was then struck from behind by another car. She was pinned in the wreckage.

Stewart had two previous drunk driving convictions.

Jake Schonert, who drew widespread sympathy from the community after his wife’s death, was arrested in June on six counts of felony child molestation for allegedly having sexual liaisons with his 15-year-old stepdaughter. Schonert, who is due to appear in Newhall Municipal Court later this month, could face up to six years in prison if convicted on all counts.