Murder Charge Filed in Traffic Death of Marine

A man accused of ramming a van full of Camp Pendleton Marines while he was drunk and driving a stolen pickup truck has been charged with murder after one of the Marines died.

Leonard Sambrano, 19, could spend 16 years to life in prison if convicted of killing Pfc. Ryan Cootey, prosecutor Blaine Bowman said Wednesday.

Sambrano, wearing a neck brace and sitting in a wheelchair, pleaded not guilty to seven charges in connection with the crash, including second-degree murder, car theft and drunken driving.

Cootey was one of 11 Marines riding in a shuttle van late Sunday night in downtown San Diego. The men were on a few days’ leave when their van was hit from behind.

Several Marines were treated for injuries; Cootey suffered severe abdominal injuries and died Monday. Two other Marines remained in the hospital Wednesday in good condition and were expected to be released soon.

Sambrano was released from the hospital Tuesday and taken to jail.

Authorities said the Chula Vista resident stole a pickup Sunday and was fleeing the California Highway Patrol on Interstate 5. The CHP officer lost sight of the pickup shortly after it left the freeway and stopped the pursuit, but Sambrano continued.

He ran three red lights and a stop sign at a speed of at least 90 mph on narrow downtown streets before slamming into the back of the van, Bowman said.

“We feel that the charges in this case certainly are appropriate given his conduct,” Bowman said.

Outside court, Sambrano’s public defender, Mary Jo Barr, said her client was remorseful.

“He was in tears,” she said.

He was being held on $1-million bail.