Sentencing Delayed in Fatal DUI Case

A judge delayed sentencing until March 12 for an Azusa man convicted in the death of a Jehovah’s Witness member who refused a blood transfusion on religious grounds after she was hit by the drunk driver’s truck.

An attorney for Keith Cook, 32, persuaded the judge to delay sentencing to allow a probation department report to be completed that may be considered in sentencing.

Pomona Superior Court Judge Reginald Yates also rejected a motion for a new trial by Cook’s attorney. He had argued that he was not able to interview jurors about their beliefs in regards to Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Prosecutors are seeking 15 years to life in prison for Cook, who was convicted of gross vehicular manslaughter but found not guilty of murder in the death of Jadine Russell after the March 7 wreck.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Larry Larson said in court papers that he is seeking the maximum penalty because Cook had a drunk driving conviction before the fatal crash and had been ordered not to drink.

Russell, 55, and her daughter, Jennifer, had parked separate cars on the side of Sierra Madre Road in Azusa after a minor accident. Cook’s truck struck the two women as they stood by the side of the road.

Charles Unger, Cook’s attorney, said he will argue that under the law his client cannot be sentenced to more than 10 years.