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Judge delays quadriplegic's sentencing in fatal wreck

The sentencing of a quadriplegic accused of killing a 69-year-old woman in a car crash was postponed this morning because his attorney is withdrawing his plea.

Danny Espinoza, 25, had pleaded no contest to felony vehicular manslaughter in the death of Dorothy Anne Walter.

Espinoza was driving west on Stockdale Highway on March 5, 2006 and went into the eastbound lane near Buena Vista Road and slammed into Walter’s car.

Walter later died at Kern Medical Center. Espinoza was paralyzed from the accident.

Espinoza faces up to six years in prison.

Judge Michael Lewis said this continuance is impeding closure and “this is a difficult sentence for all people.”

Espinoza’s attorney, Bruce Blythe, did not say in the hearing why he chose to withdraw the plea. He declined to comment.

Laurie Kolkman, Espinoza’s mother, said a trial will help bring the truth about what happened in the crash.

“I think it will be good,” she said.

Prosecutor Michael Yraceburn said the withdrawal was a surprise and that the defendant is having “buyer’s remorse.”

“The court took a competent plea,” he said. “We were ready to go today.”

Walter’s family were scheduled to speak at the sentencing.

Espinoza’s next hearing is scheduled for June 5.

Bakersfield.com