DEADLY COLLISION LEADS TO MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE IN SACRAMENTO
SACRAMENTO, CA — Harjit Kaur, 49, faces a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter for the April 2025 death of Connor Lopez, 23, after a vehicle crash on Sheldon Road.
The incident occurred when Kaur, driving west on Sheldon Road, allegedly turned left into the path of Lopez’s motorcycle, leading to a fatal collision. Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash took place around 3:48 p.m. on April 23 near a WinCo shopping center.
Elk Grove Police responded to the accident, where they discovered Lopez face-down in his helmet. Emergency personnel reported that bystanders attempted to shield his body from view. Witnesses indicated that Lopez was traveling between 37 and 56 mph at the time of impact, while Kaur was moving at approximately 16 mph.
Kaur did not attend her arraignment on December 15 nor subsequent court sessions, stirring anger among Lopez’s family members, who wore “Justice for Connor” shirts. The arraignment judge noted a lack of remorse from Kaur, which was echoed by Lopez’s family.
The maximum penalty Kaur could face is one year in jail, as laws classify vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence as a misdemeanor. Kaur has denied the charges through her attorney, stating she did not see Lopez approaching.
The family plans to advocate for stronger penalties in similar cases, expressing frustration over perceived leniency around fatal vehicle collisions. The next court date is set for February, with ongoing discussions regarding trial readiness taking place this June.