Drunk driver who killed Adelanto mother in 2018 sentenced to prison

VictorValleyNews January 16, 2019

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A judge on Wednesday sentenced a Victorville man to prison for a 2018 DUI crash that killed an Adelanto mother of three on Highway 395.

The suspect, Fernando Pantoja Jr., 26, was sentenced to six years in prison for Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated after running a stop sign and killing Frennetta Sartor Miller, 42, of Adelanto.

It happened on April 17, 2018, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 395 and Seneca Road in Victorville.

Deputies and first responders arrived on scene and found two vehicles, a silver Honda and a blue Nissan with major damage in the dirt field, east of the intersection.

At about 11:19 pm, Frennetta or more commonly known by family and friends as “Netta” was driving northbound on Highway 395 approaching the intersection of Seneca Road.

Sheriff’s official said Pantoja Jr. was driving east on Seneca Road and because he failed to stop at the posted stop sign, he broadsided Netta’s Nissan sedan. Netta was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Pantoja Jr. was trapped in his mangled vehicle and required extrication. His then 3-year-old child was also in the car at the time of the crash but was not injured.

Authorities determined Pantoja Jr. was driving under the influence and arrested him for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Cruelty to a Child.

According to public court records, Pantoja Jr. initially pleaded not guilty to his charges but later accepted a plea deal that dropped several additional charges.

As part of a plea agreement, Pantoja Jr., pleaded guilty to Gross Vehicular Manslaughter While Intoxicated and Wilful Cruelty to a Child.

Pantoja Jr. was sentenced to 6-years in prison for the DUI charge and 365 days for the cruelty to a child charge. Due to credits for time already served and conduct, Pantoja Jr. is expected to serve approximately 2 years and 3 months, 50% of his remaining sentence.

Netta worked as a school bus driver for the Victor Valley Union High School District and is survived by her husband Whalen Miller and their three children.

Man, 26, arrested for DUI manslaughter in crash that killed mother of 3

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