Driver avoids prison in deal over crash that killed Clovis mom, injured her two children
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Wallowa Bates agreed to plead no contest to vehicular manslaughter in the 2023 crash.
- Commissioner Brickey indicated he would sentence Bates to probation plus 90 days in the Adult Offender Work Program.
- If Bates successfully completes probation, the court may consider reducing the offense to a misdemeanor.
The driver of a Mercedes, who killed a Clovis mom and injured her two children in a 2023 car crash, has agreed to plead no contest to a vehicular manslaughter charge in exchange for a sentence of probation and work release.
Wallowa Bates, 25, was charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence involving the late-afternoon collision at International and Minnewawa avenues on May 29 that killed 45-year-old Jennifer Ellis.
Ellis was a pharmacist at Valley Children’s Hospital for 15 years.
Bates was facing a maximum of six years in prison if found guilty of the vehicular manslaughter charge, plus any aggravating factors. Without aggravating factors, such as driving under the influence or hit and run, the punishment would be four years.
But recently Superior Court Commissioner Daniel J. Brickey indicated he would sentence Bates to probation, plus 90 days in the Adult Offender Work Program if she were to change her plea to no contest.
Under California law, once a court gives an indicated sentence, the defense has the option to accept it, and the case may resolve without proceeding to trial.
Bates’s attorney Roger Bonakdar, who agreed with the sentence, could not be reached for comment Monday.
Taylor Long, public information officer for the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, said prosecutors did not make an offer to Bates and this was not a negotiated plea deal.
Long added that the victim’s family was made aware of the new developments in the case.
“Our prosecutor has remained in communication with them throughout the process. As with any case involving a significant loss, we understand this is an emotional and difficult process for the family. They will have the opportunity to address the court directly through victim impact statements at sentencing,” Long said.
The court also indicated that if Bates successfully completes probation, it would consider a reduction of the offense to a misdemeanor, which is within the court’s discretion, Long said.
It has been nearly three years since the tragic crash happened.
The California Highway Patrol said the day of the crash, Bates was driving east on International Avenue in a 2013 C300 Mercedes when she broadsided Ellis’s 2004 Honda Accord that was going north on Minnewawa Avenue.
Both cars were thrown north, causing Ellis’s vehicle to roll multiple times. She died at the scene.
Bates is scheduled to be sentenced June 23, 2026, in Department 34 in front of Commissioner Brickey.
