Santa Rosa woman, 79, denied bail in Oakmont manslaughter case

Gayle Gray claims a brain disorder, not the drugs and alcohol in her system, was the main cause of the 2016 crash that killed one and injured another.|

A Santa Rosa woman serving more than seven years in state prison for a crash that killed an Oakmont woman and injured her friend will not be released on bail while she challenges her conviction, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Gayle Gray, 79, claims a newly discovered brain disorder, not the prescription drugs and alcohol in her system, was the main cause of the 2016 crash that killed Jackie Simon, 85, and seriously injured Josephine Ross, then 91.

Through her lawyer, Gray argued she should be released from the state’s women’s prison in Chowchilla because her condition has rendered her incapable of flight and she no longer drives a car.

But prosecutors opposed the move, arguing she should remain behind bars pending an evidence hearing, expected as soon as next month.

Judge Jamie Thistlethwaite agreed the timing was wrong. The judge also was concerned Gray might flee with the help of family because she believes she will not live out her sentence.

- Paul Payne

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