Police

Weller escapes prison

Elderly driver George Weller was given five years probation, fined $20,000 and ordered to pay $24,000 in penalties plus restitution to the families of some of his victims for killing ten people at the Santa Monica farmers market. Judge Michael Johnson said that "Mr. Weller clearly deserves a prison sentence," but that practical considerations argue against it. His failing health would put an unnecessary burden on the prison system, the judge said. Weller, who turns 90 on Dec. 7, is bedridden and needs cardiac surgery, the judge said: "I'm satisfied that Mr Weller is very ill and is no longer a danger to anyone." Johnson began with a statement that complained about Weller refusing to take responsibility or apologize to the victims, and for making "incredibly callous" comments. "Mr. Weller clearly was responsible for all of this human loss....I will simply never understand Mr. Weller's indifference to the victims in this case."



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