A Kingman woman who apologized for her involvement in the death of public security officer Leo Besenti, 54, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Friday. The sentence was part of a plea bargain that found Elizabeth Tisdale, 55, guilty of manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs.
Attorney Michael Crocker said a combination of consequences and misfortunes and consequences led to Besenti’s tragic death on March 9, 2022.
There’s no dispute that a drunken Besenti was driven home, but dropped off on the wrong street. A resident who tried to prevent Mr. Besenti from entering the home pushed the Kingman man into the roadway and was fatally hit by a vehicle driven by Tisdale in a dimly lit area.
Crocker told Mojave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle that Tisdale admitted to having methamphetamine in her bloodstream at the time of the accident, but emphasized that her client insisted she was not injured. He strengthened his claim by pointing out that the first police officers on the scene reported no signs of obstruction.
“He saw no fault with Miss Tisdale,” Mr Crocker said in court. “Ultimately, she accepts responsibility for being caught up in this tragedy.”
“This changed our lives forever,” said a letter drafted by Besenti’s widow, which was read to the transcript by prosecutor Cameron Patt. The newspaper said Besenti’s death has dashed the couple’s plans to pursue travel and adventure in the next few years and have fun with her grandchildren.
Judge Carlisle noted that the letter, drafted by Tisdale, conveyed an apology for the loss and suffering to the victims’ friends and family.
Pat said there was a compromise between Besenti’s supporters who wanted more prison terms and the defense’s demands for shorter sentences.
“Given the circumstances, this is a fair plea bargain,” Pat said.
Judge Carlyle ordered Tisdale to pay just over $6,500 in medical and burial costs, in addition to a 30-month prison sentence.
