A 17-year-old accused of killing four friends in a car crash has asked a California judge to dismiss the case, arguing that police destroyed evidence crucial to her defense. Elsa Laremont Stranczek was 16 when her Volkswagen Tiguan SUV ran off the road and struck a tree near Woodacre, California, last year. The vehicle burst into flames, killing four passengers: Olive Koren, 14, Sienna Katz, 15, Josalynn “Josy” Osborn, 15, and Ada Kepley, 15. Stranczek and passenger Marley Barclay, 14, survived with severe injuries.
Crash investigation and charges
Both Stranczek and Barclay initially claimed an oncoming car swerved into their lane, but authorities found no evidence of another vehicle. In October, Stranczek was charged with misdemeanor manslaughter, which applies when someone unintentionally causes death while committing a low-level unlawful act, with a clear causal link. If convicted, she faces up to one year in juvenile detention due to her age.
Defense motion to dismiss
At a hearing on Wednesday, Stranczek’s attorney, Charles Dresow, argued the case should be dropped because California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers “destroyed their notes” and lost interview audio. Officers Jonathan Briggs and Erik Carrillo testified they discarded notes after finalizing their report and that a wireless microphone failed to transmit audio to their car recorders. Dresow stated, “If audio existed, then we would know exactly what was said.” The judge rejected the motion, saying, “I cannot conclude that they acted in bad faith or destroyed evidence.”
Families divided on outcome
The courtroom’s 43 seats were full as families expressed opposing views on whether Stranczek should face trial or be placed in a diversion program, which avoids criminal proceedings in favor of rehabilitation. Olive Koren’s grandmother, Gail Koren, said, “We want her to have the opportunity to have diversion. That’s what Olive would have wanted.” She also criticized the CHP investigation, arguing not every aspect of the crash was analyzed.
However, Josy Osborn’s father, Joseph Osborn, disagreed, stating Stranczek must understand the “gravity” of her actions. “Choices were made, and these are the repercussions of them. Four lost lives,” he said. Sienna Katz’s mother, Peg Minicozzi, called her daughter’s death “the most devastating and heartbreaking experience of my life.” She argued that “accountability is one of the most important lessons we teach our children” and that “juvenile diversion is generally intended for less serious first offenses.” She added, “Given the loss of four lives, I do not believe diversion without an admission or finding of guilt reflects the gravity of what occurred.”
Next steps
The hearing is scheduled to continue on August 10. If the judge denies diversion, Stranczek will proceed to trial.
