NAPA, CA — A Napa man was sentenced Friday for his role in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of two cyclists in October 2023. Porfirio Sanchez, 57, was sentenced to 364 days in jail, with 180 days of that sentence stayed upon his completion of 180 hours of community service related to bike safety. In addition, he will serve two years of formal probation.
Sanchez, who was driving a Freightliner truck loaded with lumber along Silverado Trail on the morning of October 17, 2023, failed to properly secure the load. As he drove northbound, a large piece of lumber swung out from the truck and struck Christian Deaton, 52, and his wife Michelle Deaton, 48, both of Portland, Oregon. The couple, who were visiting Napa Valley and cycling in the designated bicycle lane, were fatally injured in the collision.
The Deatons had been avid cyclists and long-time employees of Nike. Their deaths have left a lasting impact on their family and friends. The tragedy sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for justice from the community.
On November 14, 2024, Sanchez entered a plea agreement, pleading no contest to two counts of vehicular manslaughter. The agreement stipulated that Sanchez would serve up to four years in state prison. During Friday’s sentencing hearing, Napa County Deputy District Attorney Shashawnya Worley requested the court impose the full four-year sentence as outlined in the plea deal.
“This case boils down to two happy, healthy lives that were cut short due to the negligence of the defendant,” Worley stated in her remarks. “Their deaths have had a profound impact on their family and friends.”
While the prosecution sought a lengthier sentence, the court considered a request for leniency from the Deaton family. Deaton’s brother, who attended the hearing, asked the judge to show mercy toward Sanchez. In his ruling, Napa County Superior Court Judge Scott Young acknowledged the conflicting desires for justice and mercy expressed by both the prosecution and the victims’ family members.
“It seems that everyone in this case, generally, is requesting justice and mercy,” Judge Young remarked during the hearing. “The Court is moved by the amount of grace in this courtroom by all families.”
Though Sanchez will avoid serving the full four-year sentence, the court’s ruling imposes conditions aimed at promoting community awareness and safety. As part of his sentence, Sanchez must complete community service focused on bicycle safety—a significant element in light of the accident’s tragic impact.
While the Deaton family continues to mourn their loss, Deputy District Attorney Worley expressed hope that the sentence would provide some closure to those who loved the couple. However, she emphasized that no legal outcome could bring the Deatons back or fully heal the pain caused by their untimely deaths.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring safety when operating large vehicles and the lasting consequences of negligence on the road.