Driver gets probation in Oxnard crash that killed women on motorcycle

A judge on Thursday sentenced a Studio City woman to three years' probation after she pleaded no contest to two counts of vehicle manslaughter stemming from the death of two women who were riding a motorcycle in Oxnard last year.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Bruce Young also ordered that Stephanie Pinkard, 47, complete 300 hours of community service, Deputy District Attorney Thomas Steele said Friday.

Courtney Bombardo and Carmen Valenzuela were on a motorcycle about 5:20 p.m. Jan. 9, 2011, when Pinkard, a limousine driver, made an unsafe left turn from a southbound lane of Rice Avenue onto eastbound Camino Del Sol and into their path, according to police.

Steele said the two victims had no time to react, the motorcycle went on its side and struck the rear of the limousine. Valenzuela was on the back of the motorcycle, according to police.

Bombardo, 22, of Oxnard died at the scene. Valenzuela, 20, of Santa Paula, died less than five hours later during surgery at Ventura County Medical Center, authorities said.

Steele said the victims' families have told Pinkard that they forgive her and hold no ill will toward her.

Bombardo was a Seabee and had recently completed a tour of Afghanistan. Valenzuela was her friend from a motorcycle club.

Bombardo grew up in Minnesota and joined the Navy after graduating early from high school, relatives said.