A Nevada woman was sentenced to prison for fatally running over her boyfriend after discovering tampons in his garbage.
Julie Bush, 31, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and DUI resulting in death in March after originally being charged with open murder and other felonies in the death of Richard “Rick” Penardo, 51.
According to court documents obtained by local CBS affiliate KLAS, Bush intentionally drove into Penardo in May 2024 after discovering another woman’s tampons in the trash at his house.
Prosecutors claimed that the entire violent act was captured on a Ring camera, and that the tampons most likely belonged to Penardo’s roommate.
KLAS was in the courtroom for Bush’s sentencing, where she and the victim’s family addressed the court before the sentence was imposed.
In tears Bush told Clark County District Court Judge Carli Kierny, “I love him very much,” adding, “I’m sorry that he died and I wish I could change it, but I can’t, and I know there isn’t a sentence in the world that will satisfy anyone.”
Bush’s public defender also told the court that her appearance on police body camera footage showed she was sorry for her actions.
Grace Fisher, Penardo’s mother, told the court that her son was “not perfect.” He made many mistakes and poor decisions throughout his life. His biggest mistake was ever becoming involved with Julie Bush. She made his life a living hell.
Penardo had previously served time for unemployment insurance fraud and entered an Alford plea in connection with his involvement in a 2008 murder case.
Bush reportedly told police that before the fateful altercation on the night of May 24, 2024, she discovered tampons at Penardo’s home that she thought belonged to another woman.
After she confronted him about her discovery, court documents state that Penardo “retrieved a long, steel chain from the residence and went over to [Bush’s] vehicle.” “He then began swinging the chain around, breaking the windows of Bush’s vehicle.”
In response, court documents state that Bush drove after Penardo “in an attempt to hit him.” During her second attempt, she collided with another vehicle.
Bush accelerated and deliberately drove into Penardo on her third attempt, sending him flying into the air and into a brick wall.
According to KLAS, Penardo suffered multiple brain bleeds and collapsed lungs following the collision; he died the following day as a result of his injuries.
Police discovered methamphetamine and fentanyl in Bush’s car, and she admitted to using fentanyl hours before the fatal confrontation.
Bush faced charges of open murder, DUI resulting in death, DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm, domestic battery, attempted murder, and drug possession before pleading guilty to DUI resulting in death and voluntary manslaughter. She was sentenced to 12 to 35 years in prison.
