Woman pleads not guilty to manslaughter in fatal Fresno DUI crash

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The woman charged with manslaughter in the death of 39-year-old John Mendoza faced a judge today, entering a not guilty plea.

"Numb...I am so numb right now, I just want justice for my son," said Patricia Santana.

Less than a week after a tragic and deadly crash in Northeast Fresno, 43-year-old Courtney Marie Laplaca faced a judge for her arraignment.

Action News was not allowed to record her face.

On Friday, just after 10 at night, police say, she was driving her car while under the influence near Gettysburg and Millbrook when she veered into the bike lane.

Her car rear-ended Mendoza, who was riding his motorized razor scooter.

"With his helmet, with appropriate lighting equipment. Following him and the collision is captured on surveillance video," said prosecutor Steven Ueltzen," Following the collision... proceeded northbound on Millbrook with Mr. Mendoza trapped underneath her vehicle."

Fresno Police officers found Mendoza and his scooter trapped underneath Laplaca's car.

He died at the scene.

His mother and family members sat in court on Wednesday, heartbroken and still in disbelief.

She says her son was heading to a friend's house, and says another friend who was also heading in the same direction witnessed the crash.

His mother says she's grateful he wasn't alone as he took his final breaths.

"I just want to cry, it hurts, it hurts so bad," said Santana.

With Laplaca's family also in the courtroom, prosecutors argued her blood-alcohol level was 3 times the legal limit, and said she showed no regard for Mendoza's life at the scene.

"She went from flirting with officers to laughing to crying hysterically and that conduct continued for several hours," said Ueltzen.

The Fresno Police Department says so far this year, they've responded to 10 deadly crashes, three of them DUI-related.

In 2025, 7 deadly crashes involved DUI drivers.

Santana says no family should have to endure that pain, "If you are going to drink, stay home, don't get behind the wheel because it can be your child or anyone's child."

Laplaca's bond is set at $422,000. She has no prior DUI's or criminal history.

Laplaca pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on May 27.

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