Ryder Stapp pleads guilty, 11 years stipulated prison term, loses license

Preliminary hearing for vehicular manslaughter and DUI suspect Ryder Stapp was scheduled as a "special set" on January 31.

As I already reported on January 19 that the Stapps wanted a plea. Today, Stapp entered a  plea to two counts on a second amended complaint.

Stapp pleaded guilty to PC 190.5 (a) which is gross vehicular manslaughter. 10 years for that count which is the upper term. He also pleaded guiltyto VC20001 (b) (2),hit and run with injuries. He gets 1 year, which is 1/3 of the mid term for that count.

Rest of the counts were dismissed with a Harvey waiver. An Arbuckle waiver was entered. Sentencing on February 25.


This is a stipulated term of 11 years in prison. He is not eligible for probation because of the agreement. Stapp has lost his license. His attorney said "it is unclear when he is capable of getting it back."

Deputy District Attorney Trent Timm is the prosecutor for this case. Mr. Neal Sanders is Stapp's attorney.

In his factual basis, Mr. Timm mentioned Stapp's prior record. I reported on that after his arrest. Those posts are linked below.

"There will be at least three victim impact statements, maybe more," said Mr. Timm. "We are not seeking remand due to the wishes of the family."

The night Stapp crashed into Bob Beland's home, he was driving at 86 mph. At Shamus T Bones, he had three whiskey and cokes, one shot and three pitchers of beer. He may have had more drinks. When the bartender expressed concern, the bartender was told there was a designated driver. Despite pleas from friends, Stapp got behind the wheel.

Stapp's blood alcohol level was .214 and when retested, it was 0.23.

Stapp was in court with his parents and a younger woman. He answered "yes" and "guilty" in a soft voice when Visiting Judge Douglas Phimister asked him questions.

Mr. Sanders said he wanted to put on record that his client had been remorseful in his presence and he wanted the community to know that they tried to have Stapp speak to a local D. A. R. E. program but there isn't one in Humboldt. Mr. Timm suggested a program at Fortuna High.

10 people were there on behalf of Bob Beland and Elizabeth Martin. Ms. Heidi Wells was in court representing the family.

Recent posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/01/ryder-stapp-preliminary-remains-set.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/01/third-continuance-for-ryder-stapp.html?m=1

https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2020/01/defense-continuing-intervention-hoping.html?m=1#more