- Dr. James Comazzi was sentenced to eight months in jail for a hit-and-run that killed 26-year-old Juliana Ramos.
- Ramos was struck while helping another crash victim and was a mother of three.
- The case drew attention after Comazzi left the scene and was identified months later through an anonymous tip.
FRESNO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Days after a wild scuffle broke out after a California high school graduation ceremony, another California case is drawing attention because of a courtroom outcome. This time, a cardiologist was sentenced to eight months in jail after a deadly hit-and-run that killed a young mother of three.
Dr. James Comazzi was sentenced Wednesday in connection with the February 2021 death of 26-year-old Juliana Ramos. Ramos lived in Reedley and was studying to become a certified nursing assistant.
Woman Was Helping Another Crash Victim
Ramos was killed after she pulled over near Manning Avenue to help someone involved in another crash.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Comazzi struck Ramos and briefly got out of his vehicle before leaving the scene.
The driver was not identified for months. Investigators later connected Comazzi to the fatal collision through an anonymous tip.
Family Speaks in Court
Ramos’ relatives gave emotional statements during the sentencing hearing.
Her niece, Ivette Lopez, said the family lost a daughter, sister, aunt, best friend, and mother. She said Ramos’ children lost their mother at a very young age.
Lopez also questioned how a doctor could leave after hitting someone who had stopped to help others.
Doctor Apologizes at Sentencing
Comazzi addressed Ramos’ family in court.
He said no words could undo the past or fix the pain caused by his actions.
Fresno County Superior Court Judge James Kelley said the case could have unfolded differently if Comazzi had stayed at the scene. The judge said that if he had remained there, the case may have been brought as a misdemeanor.
Plea and Sentence
Comazzi previously pleaded no contest to felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter.
On Wednesday, the judge ordered him to serve eight months in county jail.
Ramos’ family said the sentence felt too light for what happened.
Family Says Punishment Falls Short
Loved ones said Ramos had no criminal record and was trying to build a future for herself and her children.
Lopez said the sentence appeared to consider Comazzi’s age and lack of criminal history, but she questioned why Ramos’ age, future, and clean record did not seem to carry the same weight.
For Ramos’ family, the punishment does not match the pain they have lived with since her death.
To view more cases involving deadly hit-and-runs, controversial sentences, and families fighting for justice, check out our video here:
