By Amanda Anabeza, Courier Staff Writer
This past Monday, a 25 year old woman was sentenced to six years by an Alameda County Judge for running over a man who was a tow truck driver back in 2014. The Fremont resident was said to be under the influence of drugs.
In honor of William Sampson, a 22 year old Sacramento resident, many friends and family attended the hearing. Volunteers from Mothers Against Drunk Driving were also there for her sentencing. In addition, Melissa Fan Ho, the woman involved in the accident, was ordered to take part in mental health and drug rehabilitation programs during her incarceration.
Ho admitted to police that she abused the use of cocaine during her shift at Dave & Busters and had a friend accompany her through the night abusing other substances. She used to Methamphetamine, amphetamine, THC, medication , along with the cocaine to treat her heroin addiction, and they were all present in her system according to the urine test she took after the accident. Ho was not convicted of DUI in association with Sampson’s tragic death, despite prosecutor Angela Backer’s best efforts.
Angel Parker, Sampson’s mother, speaks out to Ho saying, “I hope that every single second you serve because I have a life sentence of hell,” referring to the loss of her son. “She is far too young for the rest of her life to be wasted,” said Judge Tara Desautels. “The court sincerely hopes that this becomes your opportunity to turn your life around.”
Sampson was supposed to be on his way back to Sacramento that morning but he chose to stay in the area to help a friend with their car troubles. He was assisting a tow truck driver on the shoulder of Interstate 880 when Ho drove into them. Sampson was killed instantly while the tow truck driver suffered from severe injuries to his legs and nose.
Prior to the fatal accident, Ho rear-ended another car damaging her own vehicle. She then borrowed her mom’s car so that she wouldn’t be late for work and it was her mom’s car that took Sampson’s life.
More than 65 victim impact letters were sent to the court from his friends and family who described Sampson as kind, fun, loving, and great with children.