Home / Crime and Justice / Probation for Fatal Crash: Family of Four Lost
Probation for Fatal Crash: Family of Four Lost
23 Mar
Summary
- Woman sentenced to probation for deadly bus stop crash.
- Four family members died, including two young children.
- Judge cited defendant's age, remorse, and lack of history.
Two years after a fatal collision claimed the lives of four family members at a San Francisco bus stop, an 80-year-old woman has been sentenced to probation. Mary Fong Lau entered a no-contest plea in connection with the March 16, 2024, incident that killed Matilde Pinto, her husband Diego Cardoso de Oliveira, and their two young sons, Joaquin and Caue.
Authorities alleged Lau was speeding excessively when her vehicle crashed into the Muni Metro West Portal Station bus stop. The crash tragically resulted in the immediate deaths of Diego and Joaquin, followed by Matilde's death at the hospital. Their infant son, Caue, later died after being on life support.
On March 20, 2026, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Bruce Chan sentenced Lau to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service. He cited Lau's advanced age, absence of a criminal record, and expressions of remorse as factors in his decision. Lau addressed the victims' family members, repeatedly offering apologies while bowing.
Attorneys for both sides acknowledged the profound grief and loss. Lau's defense stated she has taken accountability. Family members of the deceased expressed that the sentence did not adequately reflect the magnitude of their loss, noting the family was on their way to the zoo to celebrate an anniversary.
Lau will be eligible to renew her driver's license in three years, though her attorney indicated she does not plan to drive in the future.
