A 77-year-old woman who struck and killed a man in North Park was sentenced July 29 to one year in home detention on terms of two years probation.
Several friends of the victim, Stephen Debow, 42, seemed disappointed that Donna Chapman Jacobs did not receive any more time in jail, although she did receive credits for several days in jail after her Dec. arrest.
“Stephen was a great pillar to our community as a great human being and he will forever be lost to us,” said Michael Berardi, one of the victim’s friends, afterwards.
“This lady has no remorse or care, until the end (of her statement) where she tried to save her behind,” said Berardi to reporters. “I wish her nothing but ill will and wish she spends the rest of her time in pain.”
The Department of Motor Vehicles suspended Jacobs’ driver’s license as a result of her conviction, so it is unlikely she could get it back. San Diego Superior Court Judge Dwayne Moring barred her from driving. She surrendered her driver’s license as a condition of her $100,000 bond and someone always gave her a ride to court.
Jacobs told the judge she was a domestic violence survivor and she did not realize she had struck a person while driving her Hyundai on Utah Street and Polk Ave. She also apologized for killing Debow.
“I saw no one. I heard no one anywhere around,” said Jacobs to the judge. “I thought I was being attacked.”
Deputy District Attorney Roza Egiazarian said Debow must have been on the hood and roof of her car for 65 feet before he fell off. Jacobs did not stop and did not call 911. Debow was taken to a hospital where he died six days later.
Police knew what type of vehicle had hit Debow because Hyundai car parts fell into the street where he was struck on Nov. 21, 2023 around 7:15 p.m. He was crossing the street at an intersection, but was not in a crosswalk. Some of Debow’s friends put up “Hit and Run” signs offering $1,000 reward. One of his friends adopted his dog.
Jacobs pleaded guilty in May to all charges, which was hit and run causing death and vehicular manslaughter. She could have received four years in prison. If she violates probation, she could receive two years in prison, the judge warned her.
